Saudi authorities have discovered a number of camps outside Saudi cities used for training militants to carry out terror operations, an Interior Ministry official said Thursday.
| "D'oh! How'd we miss them all this time?" |
Two key militant figures killed in terror sweeps last year — Turki Nasser al-Dandani and Yosif Salih Fahd Alayyeri — commanded the camps, the official told The Associated Press. More camp leaders are being sought. The desert camps were set up to train militants to use weapons and self-defense techniques and also prepare them for terror operations, the official said. He did not specify the number of camps that were discovered.
"I can say no more"
The latest find is part of a widespread crackdown the Saudi government launched on Islamic militants and al-Qaida cells following the May suicide bombings. Hundreds of suspects have been arrested, and the government has urged wanted persons to surrender. On Nov. 8, another suicide attack on a Riyadh housing compound killed 17 people. Saudi officials have said their country may have been infiltrated by members of al-Qaida.
Well, thats one word for it.
Late Wednesday, Crown Prince Abdullah reiterated the kingdom’s opposition to extremism, saying "moderation is the right path."
| It depends on your definition of 'moderation,' of course... |
In a televised speech to the nation, Abdullah called on Saudis to follow the "wise, moderate Islamic line," the official Saudi Press Agency reported. "It’s the method of the holy Quran and the Prophet," Abdullah said, according to the agency.
"Kill jews and other infidels somewhere else." |