Homeland Security

DATE=5/13/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SAUDI / BLASTS (L)

NUMBER=2-303136

BYLINE=GREG LaMOTTE

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: At least ten people are believed dead and dozens others injured in a series of suicide attacks late Monday in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the attacks, which took place in an area of the city where many Westerners lived, may have been the work of the terrorist group al-Qaida. Mr. Powell, who was in Jordan at the time of the attack, is due to arrive (has arrived) in Saudi Arabia for scheduled talks with Saudi officials. VOA's Greg LaMotte has more.

TEXT: As daylight arrived over the Saudi capital Tuesday mangled cars, blown out widows, doors, collapsed balconies and crumpled metal gates protecting the compounds could be seen.

Saudi officials are blaming the attacks on suicide bombers. They say vehicles, possibly trucks, loaded with explosives were driven into the compounds. Located in the eastern section of Riyadh, the compounds are inhabited mostly by Westerners.

Several witnesses said they heard gunfire shortly before loud explosions rocked the compounds, just before midnight Monday.

According to the U-S ambassador in Riyadh, Robert Jordan, dozens of Americans were injured in the attacks and have been hospitalized.

Speaking in Amman, Jordan Tuesday Secretary of State Colin Powell said the attacks had the earmarks of Osama bin Laden's terrorist organization al-Qaida.

Mr. Powell, on a tour of the region to discuss terrorism and the Palestinian-Israeli peace plan, was in Jordan at the time of the attack but left for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, as planned.

Two weeks ago the United States renewed a travel warning for American citizens to avoid Saudi Arabia because of concerns regarding possible acts of terrorism.

Last week (May 7), Saudi police said they were searching for 19 suspected terrorists, mostly Saudis, believed to be plotting acts of terror in the Saudi capital. Police reported finding a large cache of explosives, hand grenades, ammunition and machine guns.

Tuesday, the State Department advised Americans living in Saudi Arabia to remain at home while authorities try to determine if there is an ongoing threat to Americans in the kingdom. (Signed)

NEB/GL/KL