Dubai: Saudi security authorities launched a manhunt after a bomb blast targeted foreign diplomats attending a war memorial ceremony at Khawajat non-Muslim cemetery in Jeddah.
At least two people were injured in the bomb attack during a speech by the French consul at the memorial service commemorating the annual Armistice Day, which marks the end of the First World War.
An eyewitness Nadia Chaaya said: “At the end of the French consul’s speech we heard an explosion. At first, we didn’t understand what was happening, but then we realised that we were the target.”
“We were panicking and feared there could be a second blast,” she added.
Minor injuries
A Saudi police officer and a Greek policeman suffered minor injuries from the blast. Saudi security forces immediately cordoned off the scene and blocked roads leading to the cemetery as an investigation began.
Mecca region authorities described the attack as “cowardly” and “unsuccessful,” and said that an employee of the Greek consulate and a Saudi security officer were injured during the remembrance ceremony held by the French consulate in Jeddah.
Saudi authorities said the incident is being investigated and a report will be issued very soon.
