Saudi Police capture Smuggled TNT Explosives

JEDDAH, 26 May 2003 — The Saudi security forces have foiled an attempt to smuggle 60 kilos of TNT, Al-Watan newspaper reported yesterday. The Arabic daily said road patrols in Madinah arrested a Yemeni who tried to smuggle the explosives, which were concealed in detergent cartons into the city. The man justified his possession of the explosives by saying he used them for legitimate excavation work, the paper said.Saudi police in Tathleeth in the southern Asir region foiled another attempt to smuggle 50,000 pieces of ammunition in a car. According to Al-Watan, security officers are investigating the driver of the car for allegedly trying to smuggle the ammunition into the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has been on high alert following the May 12 terrorist attacks against three residential compounds in Riyadh in which 34 people were killed and almost 200 injured. According to Al-Watan, more than 80 checkpoints have been established in Jeddah alone following reports that the Al-Qaeda network was planning attacks in the Red Sea port city. The measure was taken to prevent terrorists from bringing explosives and weapons into the city. Security has been beefed up at major hotels and residential compounds.

The Civil Defense Department said it had heightened security alert to the maximum and increased safety patrols. The department has also assigned extra officers and equipment to meet any emergency situation, the paper said.The department developed an emergency plan in coordination with Jeddah Municipality, the Health Ministry and the Saudi Red Crescent Society.