U.S. Consulate Attacked in Jiddah

The bombings continue as Iraq draws closer to their elections. There is no word yet as to whether this latest bombing was Al-Quaeda sponsored or not.

"JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded U.S. consulate in Jiddah in a bold attack Monday, then forced their way into the building and held civilians at gunpoint, prompting a gunbattle. At least 12 people, including five local staff, were reported killed in the three-hour assault.

Saudi security officials said four of its forces died in the clash and the Interior Ministry said three of the five attackers were killed. The other two were injured and captured. Five members of the consulate's non-American staff died, according to the U.S. Embassy.

Several Americans were slightly injured, according to a State Department official in Washington." - [AP News Wire / F.S. Ambah]

It will be interesting to see what the resposnse of the Saudis will be. With the Iraqi elections looming it is widely expected for insurgency violence to continue. However it will not deter the election, not the world criticism which is sure to follow after it is completed.