Posted on 06/16/2004 2:54:30 PM PDT by Zeppo
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi security forces and police surrounded a house in the capital Wednesday, Saudi security officials said, and intermittent gunfire was heard.
Police surrounded the entire district of Al-Badeaa, in southwestern Riyadh, and officers at a checkpoint about a half-mile away diverted traffic to other routes.
Gunfire could be heard late into the night and more security forces were seen arriving.
The operation came as Saudi Arabia has stepped up the search for the kidnappers of Paul Johnson, an American who was taken hostage Saturday.
Witnesses who had been diverted from the area by police speculated that the house may be the hideout of the suspected kidnappers. However, the security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, would not comment on who may be in the house...
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
They look like fat-bastard teats.
Probably none. The bad guys are obviously trying to topple the Saudi royal family. The house of Saud is wobbly about a lot of things, but this isn't one of them.
I've considered that possibility... But there remains the suspicion that the "usual suspects" may be on the receiving end of a staged attack by the Saudis for political reasons (to reassure Western governments and media, for example), rather than the actual perps.
>>how much of a head start did the Saudi authorities give to the militants to aid their escape, before the police started firing their guns",
Why the sarc tag. Everyone knows the state apparatus is riddled with AQ symps.
Probably so... But experience has shown me that it doesn't hurt to restate the obvious :-)
That doesn't even make sense. "Anonymous sources would not comment?" If you aren't going to comment, why maintain anonymity. And if nothing was said, why quote them?
Pray!
Good point. Probably an editor with the AP policy guide regarding quoting of anonymous sources gone amok...
[Media need to take a step back and decide which side they are on.]
They have.
It is not ours.
There is nothing new going on. The Keystone Kops are chasing the pajama patrol. Same old crap, same day different day.
The Saudis and the Colombians have the same goal in mind. Use our money for goods and hurt us with it.
Some things never change as so long as freedom trips over their own dicks.
The Saudis are trying to determine who is in the building...before they do anything destructive...
They wouldn't want to harm a member of the Royal Family, or anyone traceable to the Royal Family....
In most cases -- most will escape or be released upon capture...
Semper Fi
This is a crazy idea, but I have a reply for them.
If you do not free the hostage, we will kill all your AQ prisioners (if they are still in the henhouse).
Other alternative. Your AQ prisioners are dead, we killed them!! Who was it again you wanted to trade for??
I'll trade you a GWB rookie card for this guy.
I don't think it's such a crazy idea after all. I know the US couldn't do it, but if the Saudi's were serious - they probably could. Maybe not all of them - just the worst ones - 10 of theirs for every one of ours.
Get Faisal on the line....
I hope he's okay, but I doubt it. We Americans have to remember how to die with dignity - that is, first cross yourself, and then keep the middle finger raised, even mentally. The Italian hostage who was killed essentially did this and I hope any of ours who die will do the same.
But what I also really want to see is us going in and bombing the heck out of the area. As long as we quietly tolerate kidnappings and killings, they're going to continue.
Will innocent civilians die? Yes, but there will never be pressure on that government to get serious about this until the citizens start to decide that their odds are better if their government stops supporting terrorism.
I have the same prayer. I hope he gets out of there alive. I can't even imagine how scared he must be.
So if they're not going to comment then why remain anonymous.
Idiots.
I think he's a sumo wrestler from Japan. I just thought it was a pretty funny picture.
Prayers for Paul Johnson and the forces that are searching for him and his captors.
Lord, be with Paul Johnson at this time of need. We pray that you comfort him and give him strength, wisdom and the peace that passes all understanding. May your angels surround him and protect him from all evil. Guide those who seek to find those who are holding him hostage so that he may be rescued and brought home safely.
In your name we pray, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father be with Mr. Johnson hold his hand and let the terrorist free him. Put your loving arms around him and his family. Protect him from harm.
We ask this in Jesus name.
AMEN
It could be the kidnappers, but it could also be the hideout of suspected Christians, let's not forget.
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