Homeland Security

DATE=05/12/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SAUDI/EXPLOSIONS (S-2nd UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-303127

BYLINE=GREG LAMOTTE

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: Four explosions rocked the capital of Saudi Arabia late Monday night, and reports say there are dozens of wounded and a number of people dead. Officials say at least some of the blasts occurred at compounds housing Westerners. V-O-A's Greg LaMotte reports, the explosions came on the eve of a planned visit by U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell.

TEXT: According to news reports at least one of the explosions was caused by a car packed with explosives that rammed into a residential compound housing mostly westerners and non-Saudis.

Witnesses were quoted as saying the blasts shook nearby buildings. Soon afterwards, ambulances were heard speeding to the scene.

The explosions occurred on the eve of Secretary of State Colin Powell's planned visit to Saudi Arabia. Mr. Powell is seeking greater cooperation in the fight against terrorism and support for the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Earlier this month, the State Department warned Americans against traveling to Saudi Arabia because of increased concerns regarding terrorism.

Last week, Saudi security forces seized large quantities of explosives and weapons in the capital while searching for as many as 19 suspected terrorists, including 17 Saudis.

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