11/21/08, 17:02:11 UTC

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Saudis Arrest Suspected Attackers Of French Tourists

playfuls.com

Saudi authorities Tuesday arrested several suspects believed responsible for killing four French tourists last month, the pan-Arab al-Arabiya news channel reported.
It quoted Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki as saying the authorities issued a statement demanding two remaining suspects wanted over the same incident surrender by 05:00 GMT Wednesday.

He said there was evidence linking suspects Abdullah al-Mohammedi and Nasser al-Baloui to the case, but their whereabouts were not known.

The authorities promised a reward for anyone who would volunteer information that could guide them to the suspects' hiding place.

Saudi authorities earlier that a terrorist group was behind the attack, but al-Turki refused to comment on whether those arrested belonged to a known terrorist group. Al-Turki also refused to disclose details into the ongoing investigations.

It was not clear where the suspects were arrested, but the spokesman said that they were captured after a "manhunt" by security forces.

The French tourists were shot by unknown gunmen near Medina on February 26. Three died instantly while the fourth - the 17-year-old son of one of the three men who were killed - died later in hospital as a result of his wounds. Another Frenchman was wounded.

The four men were returning with three women and two children from a trip to the desert, along a highway from Tobuk to Medina when they were fired at from a passing vehicle. The women and children were unhurt.

Tourists have been subject to such attacks in Saudi-Arabia in the past.

 Printable Version  | published Mar 06, 2007