[ UPDATE: The Arab News has its own reporting on the latest action. It notes that several Pakistanis were killed when their vehicle, leaving the area that was under seige, failed to slow for a checkpoint. That might lend some understanding to what happens at checkpoints in Iraq from time to time.]

Saudi Forces Kill Five Terror Suspects

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, AP – Saudi security forces on Monday shot dead five suspected terrorists believed to be involved in a foiled attack on the world’s biggest oil processing complex, the Saudi Interior Ministry said. A sixth suspect was arrested.

The shootings came after security forces raided two houses in the Saudi capital of Riyadh that had been under surveillance, Lt. Gen. Mansour al-Turki, chief spokesman for the ministry. The suspects were killed during a shootout, the ministry said in a statement.

This Asharq Alawsat report says that Saudi security authorities believe the group may be linked to the attack on the Abqaiq oil facilities last week. It also notes that among the terrorists killed in the attack on Abqaiq were on the latest “most wanted” list.

The Italian news agency AKI reports this story as well. This report includes speculation that the attack may have been related to the recent jailbreak in Yemen, with some of those who escaped planning the attack. It also warns that Saudi counter-terror efforts could, in the short term, lead to more attacks as the groups feel the pressure. On the other hand, if the pressure is great enough, it may have degraded the terrorist organization further.

Another AKI piece gives details about the shootout in Riyadh.

The New York Times carries a Reuters article that has more details on the attack.

Security Watchtower blog, in commenting on this story, also provides a good graphic of Saudi success in dealing with its “most wanted” list. It’s worth taking a look.