U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: "MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA" (PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT SNIPPET: "Credible information has indicated terrorist groups may be planning attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, hijackings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime interests. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts and beaches.") (November 6, 2003) (Read More...)
YAHOO! News (AP): Middle East - AP: "2 MILITANTS BLOW THEMSELVES UP IN MECCA" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The legitimacy of Saudi rulers rests partly on their being custodians of holy Mecca, which is off-limits to non-Muslims. A strike on Mecca could be seen as a strike on the royal family. A new Interior Ministry statement late Wednesday said two al-Qaida suspects were killed and five arrested, including four Saudis and one Nigerian, in Monday's Mecca shootout. The ministry had said earlier six were arrested. The official Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday quoted an Interior Ministry official as saying authorities confiscated the following items from the militants: a box for storing explosives in a car trunk; dozens of hydrogen tanks; four automatic rifles; eight pistols; 1,246 bullets of various types; 21 grenades; three rocket-propelled grenade launchers; military fatigues and women's clothes, apparently intended for disguise.") (October 6, 2003) (Read More...)