Security forces hunt for three Al Qaida terrorists on the run

Security forces hunted yesterday for suspected Al Qaida terrorists who killed 22 civilians and took dozens of foreigners hostage in a daring attack on the kingdom's globally vital oil industry.

Security forces set up nationwide checkpoints after three gunmen, using hostages as human shields, escaped Saudi commandos who stormed a residential compound in Al Khobar on Sunday to end a siege.

Reports said security forces cordoned off Al Tabishi district in Dammam where the three suspects were thought to be hiding. Intermittent firing could be heard in the city. Police also disarmed a car bomb in the district.

Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, condemn-ed the attack as one perpetrated by misled youth.

He said misguided youth lack proper understanding of the message of Islam. He said enemies of Islam are using the opportunity to inculcate destructive ideas in the minds of young people.

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