NAS Airlines - Saudi Arabia

[tyuwerty]

Actual American deaths due to terrorism in Saudi Arabia:

2008 - 0
2007 - 0
2006 - 0
2005 - 0
2004 - 4
2003 - 8
2002 - 0
2001 - 0
2000 - 0
1999 - 0
1998 - 0
1997 - 0
1996 - 19

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001454.html

After 2004, the Saudis realized that terror was a threat to them as well and responded with huge security initiatives.

 

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Saudi Arabia 06/20/2006
Recent local reports indicate that security authorities in Riyadh have arrested five Saudi nationals for a series of armed thefts last week, after the Riyadh police department received numerous complaints from shop owners, gas station employees and pharmacies testifying that they were robbed at gunpoint. Police officials were able to come up with an accurate description of the gang because of the numerous complaints. The robberies were carried out at similar times at night and followed a similar method in which a gang member would threaten the shop employee with a gun while another stole the money, during which time the rest of the gang stood by and watched, ready to intervene if necessary. Investigations led to the monitoring of one criminal who strategically rented different cars to use in the operations to escape suspicion. He was eventually arrested and questioned, later admitting that he was a member of the armed gang. He revealed the names of his accomplices who were later arrested in police raids. The gang members admitted their involvement in the armed robberies, however, a police investigation is still underway.

In Saudi Arabia, armed robbery is punishable by execution.

Saudi Arabia 06/13/2006
In an Internet statement posted on 13 June 2006, al-Qaeda stated that a Saudi militant killed by Saudi security forces in 2004 was poised to be the 20th attacker in the September 2001 attacks on the United States. It also added that the slain militant failed to join the al-Qaeda squad, as the "time of the operation was brought forward for certain reasons explained by brother (Egyptian) Mohammad Atta (the leader of the group) to the general command through another militant." The statement also said the Frenchman Zacarias Moussaoui, sentenced in the United States to life imprisonment for conspiracy over the September 11 strikes, "had nothing to do with the attack."

The slain Saudi militant was one of three gunmen who escaped after a shooting and hostage-taking rampage that left 22 people dead in the eastern oil city of al-Khobar in May 2004. He was killed in June 2004 in Riyadh with the al-Qaeda's chief in Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz al-Muqrin, shortly after Muqrin's group posted pictures on Islamist Websites showing U.S. hostage Paul Johnson beheaded.

The US embassy isn't the only one issuing warnings, of course...

Saudi Arabia 06/12/2006
Britain has warned its citizens of a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia, saying that Westerners on desert trips in the kingdom could be targeted. An updated travel warning posted on the embassy' Web site on 12 June 2006 reads in part: "There is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. We continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks in Saudi Arabia, including against Westerners and places associated with Westerners. They may consider Westerners pursuing leisure activities in the desert as possible targets." The warning was in reference to al-Qaeda militants who have repeatedly attacked Westerners since 2003. The British embassy also acknowledged that Saudi security forces are maintaining enhanced security measures and have succeeded in disrupting terror operations, killing and capturing many terrorists and seizing arms and vehicle bombs. But it said that this "continuing success should not give rise to complacency."

Since the start of a wave of violent clashes and attacks against Westerners in May 2003, Saudi Arabia has been engaged in a battle to fight extremists who want to overthrow the royal family. It has also been under pressure from outside to crack down on militancy since the 9/11 attacks on the United States, a strike masterminded by Saudi-born Osama bin Laden, in which 15 out of the 19 suicide hijackers were Saudi. Terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia have included kidnappings, truck bombings of residential compounds and government offices, targeted shootings of individuals, car bombings, parcel bombings, and attacks on shopping areas.

I get turned down for a job, I go look for another job. A saudi, on the other hand...

Saudi Arabia 06/05/2006
On 5 June 2006, U.S. authorities reportedly arrested a Saudi national who threatened to blow up an airliner after he was turned down for a job as a translator for the U.S. military in Iraq. According to court documents, he was at the U.S. Army's Fort Benning base in Georgia to prepare to become an Arabic translator for U.S. operations in Iraq, but after he was told he could not get the job because he lacked security clearance, and had to fly back to his home in Boise, Idaho, he started drinking with an acquaintance and stated "Okay, I'm going to bomb the plane." The incident was reported to an official at the base who alerted authorities. The Saudi man was then arrested for allegedly making terrorist threats to blow up an airplane. The man admitted he had made the threat at the base, but said he had no intention of carrying it out.

We had various individuals who liked to go jogging in the desert outside town or participate in other types of recreation...which really isn't a good idea. There are those...such as yourself that will probably say otherwise...but you would be...wrong.

Saudi Arabia 05/21/2006
On 21 May 2006, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued the following Warden Message, which reads in part: "The Department of State continues to remind Americans living in or traveling to Saudi Arabia that the security environment in that country remains unsettled. The Embassy has received recent information that terrorists may be targeting diplomats and foreigners who may be camping or exercising on the outskirts of the city of Riyadh and farther out into the desert. Based on this information, the Embassy is barring official Americans from participation in such activities for the immediate future. We strongly advise all members of the American community against exercising in public places on the periphery of the city, pursuing recreational activities such as group runs in isolated areas, or congregating with large groups of readily identifiable expatriates. We urge all citizens to remain alert to their surroundings, vary their times and routes, and actively cultivate good personal security practices."

 

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The main thing to remember is that Saudi Arabia is a safe place.

Saudi Arabia 02/27/2006
Two Filipino construction workers were killed and three others were wounded as they commuted to work on 27 February 2006. The workers' shuttle bus was caught in the crossfire of a Saudi police force manhunt in the Rawda district for suspects who had allegedly attempted an attack on Saudi Arabia's largest oil-processing plant on 24 February.

Everybody gets equal consideration over the Muslims headed for the Hajj...

Nigeria/Saudi Arabia/South Africa 01/06/2006
Passengers bound for Johannesburg, South Africa from Lagos, Nigeria on 6 January 2006 were stranded in Lagos when the Nigerian government ordered their Virgin Nigeria flight cancelled in order to make a relief flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for pilgrims traveling to Hajj.

This is one of the areas where I regularly worked:

Saudi Arabia 12/28/2005
On 27 December 2005, a gunman opened fire at a checkpoint in the northern Qassim province, the site of several recent shootouts with al-Qaeda-linked militants, killing three Saudi policemen. Later in the day, the same gunman -- an Internet specialist believed to have helped the Saudi wing of al-Qaeda post statements on the Web and who was on a list of 36 wanted militants linked to the group -- also killed two Saudi police officers on patrol near the northern town of Buraida, the capital of Qassim province, located approximately 186 mi/300 km north of Riyadh. The gunman was subsequently arrested and died of severe wounds on 28 December. Also on 28 December, Saudi security forces killed another suspected al-Qaeda militant, who was number four on Saudi Arabia’s most-wanted list. Reports did not specify where this incident occurred.

Saudi Arabia 12/19/2005
It was reported on 19 December 2005 that Saudi Arabia has so far released nearly 400 detainees, held for security reasons, after providing them with intense counseling and making sure they were "free of deviant thoughts." The ministry's counseling program, which started two years ago, aims at providing advice to those held in connection with security incidents that have taken place in the country in recent years. A number of prominent scholars, intellectuals, social scientists and psychiatrists are taking part in the program.

Saudi Arabia/Yemen 12/19/2005
It was reported on 19 December 2005 that Saudi Arabian security forces caught a Yemeni man with 40 electrical detonators in his possession. He was picked up by border guards as he surreptitiously crossed into Saudi Arabia in the southern area of Najran. The date of the incident was not specified by news sources.

Algeria/Bahrain/Egypt/Iran/Iraq/Israel/Jordan/Kuwait/Lebanon/Libya/Morocco/Oman/PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY/Qatar/Saudi Arabia/Syria/Tunisia/United Arab Emirates/Yemen 12/15/2005
On 15 December 2005, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on 4 August 2005, and expires on 15 June 2006.

"Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas. The November 2005 bombings against three Western hotel chains in Jordan underscore the desire of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos or any similar type establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.

"The Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

"The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners recently have been attacked resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests.

"Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. ...

"On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person."

Saudi Arabia 12/03/2005
Saudi security forces reportedly arrested 17 suspected militants in a series of raids around Riyadh early on 3 December 2005. They also seized weapons, ammunition, electronic equipment and printed material in the raids on 12 homes in Riyadh and nearby districts of Kharj and Mujamma. All the arrestees were Saudi nationals although their identities have not been released.

Iraq/Kuwait/Saudi Arabia 11/26/2005
It was reported that the United States military has detained eight Kuwaitis and two Saudi Arabian nationals as they tried to enter Iraq illegally through the Jordanian border on 26 November 2005. According to some relatives, the 10 men had left Kuwait in eight vehicles and had planned to enter Iraq via Jordan in order to go game hunting and were only carrying hunting rifles. They denied that these men belonged to a Jihadist group.

Since the 2003 toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime, several Kuwaitis have been arrested in Iraq or trying to enter Iraq, and have admitted belonging to insurgency groups targeting United States troops in Iraq. Some of these suspects are being tried in Kuwait on terrorism charges.

 

[avbug]

Saudi Arabia, where terrorists go when they want to go home, sees a kinder, gentler way of dealing with their own: rehabilitation.

Saudi Arabia 11/22/2005
The Saudi Ministry of Interior is carrying out a comprehensive orientation program aimed at conducting dialogue with people arrested in connection with the security events and terrorist acts which took place recently in Saudi Arabia. The committee in charge of this program, which began its work approximately two years ago to convince supporters of terrorism to correct their stance, which contradicts Islamic teachings, comprises Muslim scholars, propagators and philosophers specializing in Sharia (Islamic law), psychology and sociology. This is part of Saudi Arabia's initiative to combat terrorism and protest its political stability.

Saudi Arabia 11/17/2005
In a recent interview with the Arabic daily Okaz, a former terrorist identified only by his initials S.O.O. who joined a terrorist group in 1998 when he "was looking for religious knowledge and guidance, and sought help," stated that terrorist organizations attract primarily young Saudis, especially those below 20 years of age who come from villages and rural areas and who are unemployed and need money.

In this interview, he focused on the way they train their recruits and how they send them to remote areas, deserts and Afghanistan to train them for suicide operations. According to him, terrorists use some of the young recruits in their plots and others in collecting information about strategic places, and some others in collecting funds. He also stated that in the first stage they try to lure them to their fold through lectures, which serve as a cover for misguiding the authorities. When they tighten the noose around their necks they reveal their plans to them. They also intimidate the recruits, threatening that if they report them to the police, they will put themselves in trouble which forces some recruits to obey them and lease houses in their name. He concluded his interview by saying that these terrorists forbid what Islam does not forbid and what the Board of Senior Ulema (the highest religious authority in the country) permits.

Saudi Arabia 10/17/2005
On 17 October 2005, Saudi security forces disclosed that they have arrested two suspected Islamic militants in Makkah and Riyadh after raids on suspected terrorist hideouts. The arrests were made on 16 October when a residence east of Riyadh was raided and on 15 October when Saudi authorities witnessed a man distributing radical Islamist propaganda in Makkah. The two individuals are currently being held for questioning.

Saudi Arabia 09/12/2005
Reports issued on 11 September 2005 indicate that militants involved in a gunbattle with security forces in Dammam, which is located approximately 250 mi/402 km from Riyadh, on 3-6 September were planning to conduct attacks against key installations in Saudi Arabia, including oil facilities. Although no specific details were given regarding the designated targets or to what extent attacks against the targeted facilities were planned, Interior Minister Prince Nayef confirmed that the militants were planning to attack key installations in Eastern Province. The gunbattle resulted in the deaths of five militants -- who were on Saudi Arabia's list of most wanted criminals -- and the arrests of 11 others. No further information is available.

Saudi Arabia 09/06/2005
On 5 September 2005, the U.S. Consulate in Dhahran closed due to security concerns over a shootout between Saudi security forces and Islamic militants in Dammam. Reports indicate that the closure will be in place for an indefinite period of time. The shootout in Dammam -- located approximately 250 mi /402 km from Riyadh -- lasted from 3 to 6 September. Police officers cordoned off the district of Mubarakiah in Dammam during the gunbattle, which reportedly involved an unknown number of militants armed with small arms and homemade explosives.

 

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Crime free Saudi Arabia...

Saudi Arabia 08/29/2005
On 29 August 2005, Saudi security forces engaged with Iraqi gunmen in the Saudi town of Al Jubeil, injuring one of the gunmen and arresting the rest. Reports state that four individuals had infiltrated the Saudi border to steal cars and smuggle them into Iraq. A patrol had been monitoring the gang's movements and was fired upon by the gangs as they tried to escape. Saudi security forces returned fire, wounding one of the men and arresting the other three.

Saudi Arabia 08/18/2005
Clashes erupted between suspected Islamic militants and security forces in two cities on 18 August 2005. A gunfight took place during the raid of a house in the al-Massef residential area in northern Riyadh, and the area was sealed off following the clash. Two militants were reportedly killed in the gunfire and one other was arrested. A second gunfight occurred in an unspecified location in Medina, where police officers reportedly arrested a number of militants and killed two others, including the suspected leader of Saudi Arabia's al-Qaeda group.

Saudi Arabia 08/07/2005
On 7 August 2005, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued the following Warden Message: "The American Embassy in Riyadh advises all American citizens living in Saudi Arabia that in response to a threat against U.S. government buildings in the Kingdom the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah and Dhahran will be closed on August 8 and 9. Mission personnel will limit their non-official travel during this period.

"In the past, terrorist groups have targeted housing compounds and other establishments where Westerners may be located. Saudi Government facilities have also been targets. In addition to car bombs and armed assaults involving multiple gunmen against such facilities, terrorists have used ambush attacks to kidnap and/or assassinate individual Westerners.

"U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. American citizens are further advised to exercise caution and maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners or in primarily Western environments; keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel; and ensure that travel documents and visas are valid."

Saudi Arabia 07/12/2005
On 11 July 2005, Saudi security forces stated that they have arrested eight people suspected of links with terrorist activities in the city of Arar in northern Saudi Arabia. It is not immediately known if any of those arrested were included on an official list of 36 wanted terror suspects issued by Saudi authorities last month.

Saudi Arabia 06/01/2005
Gunmen attacked two Saudi police officers in their car north of Riyadh on 1 June 2005 as it chased a speeding car on the Riyadh-Qassim Expressway. The officers were injured in the attack and the gunmen escaped the scene. Security forces combed the area searching for the attackers in response to the incident.

Bahrain/Kuwait/Saudi Arabia/United Arab Emirates/Yemen 05/12/2005
On 12 May 2005, reports emerged from regional news agencies indicating that an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist cell in Yemen known as the General Organization of Unification Battalions had been involved in a plot to attack Western interests throughout the Gulf region using stolen missiles from Saudi military stockpiles, possibly with the complicity of Saudi military personnel. The report specifically mentioned Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates as potential locations for attacks against U.S. or Western targets. Eight suspected members of the cell are on trial in Sanaa on terrorism charges, and indications are that the intelligence reports may have come from this trial. Kuwait reportedly tightened security at foreign residential compounds and strategic installations on 11 May after receiving information about a Yemeni group plotting attacks against such sites. It is not clear whether the two reports are related

We could go on like this all day. And night. And day again. Bottom line is that the Kingdom isn't a friendly place. Going to and from, one can feel a pall settle over the cabin as people prepare to re-enter the Kingdom. It's repressive, the threat is ever present, and it's not nearly as rosy as you might present. If you truly believe that it's a safe place, you're living in a dangerously deceptive dream world.

The few that get caught are the tip of the iceberg. As you look around you, just imagine....where are the others? Aside from the fact that they're sponsored and supported by well established members of Saudi society, aside from the fact that Saudi Arabia was the wellspring of 09/11, despite the fact that the money to sponsor much of what's done in the name of Islam and a twisted image of what God is supposed to be...it's really a lovely place. Don't you think?

WAKE UP!!!

 

[tyuwerty]

Actual American deaths due to terrorism in Saudi Arabia:

2008 - 0
2007 - 0
2006 - 0
2005 - 0
2004 - 4
2003 - 8
2002 - 0
2001 - 0
2000 - 0
1999 - 0
1998 - 0
1997 - 0
1996 - 19

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001454.html

After 2004, the Saudis realized that terror was a threat to them as well and responded with huge security initiatives.

You cite all these warnings, going back all the way to 2005, I found one you missed from 2 days ago:

• All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
• Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.

Wait.... it is not for Saudi Arabia.... What is this? Oh yeah, it is for the Mainland, USA.

http://www.dhs.gov/xinfoshare/programs/Copy_of_press_release_0046.shtm

Wake up, and welcome yourself to the New World Order. The threat from terrorism is everywhere.

 

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You see what you want to see. You quoted the Homeland Security site...but creatively quoted just a part of the notice. You cite it as a warning, but let's see the whole thing, shall we?

In fact, the site states the opposite of what you suggest. Perhaps you missed it. I highlighted it for you, as your comprehension seems just a little lacking.

Current Threat Level

September 12, 2008 — The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow.
The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.
There is no credible, specific intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to the homeland at this time. Still, we are closely assessing potential threats and response planning leading into and following the electoral process in 2008 to 2009. Heightened coordination and planning among intelligence community and law enforcement partners is being undertaken solely out of an abundance of caution, and focuses on preventive and preparedness measures for the transition period between administrations.
Recommended Activities

• All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
• Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.

 

[tyuwerty]

Ummmmm yeah... that is why I posted the link. I was trying to trick you.

Look to the left of the page, written in yellow:

"Significant risk of terrorist attacks"

 

[avbug]

Uh-huh. You live in your little insulated world, and keep using half quotes to delude yourself into your own sense of safety.

Again, from DHS, we read:

There is no credible, specific intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to the homeland at this time. Still, we are closely assessing potential threats and response planning leading into and following the electoral process in 2008 to 2009. Heightened coordination and planning among intelligence community and law enforcement partners is being undertaken solely out of an abundance of caution, and focuses on preventive and preparedness measures for the transition period between administrations.

You're not going to find a warning or statement anything remotely like that for the Kingdom. Not now, not ever.

 

[tyuwerty]

Sorry you had such a bad experience, it has really jaded you. Point is, terrorism is everywhere and there are warnings everywhere.

The actual crime/terror numbers in Saudi Arabia prove you wrong.

Saudi isn't for everyone, it is not a bad place to work for a few years and make bank. Yes it is safe, but there is always a threat to Westerners just like anywhere else in the world. Having spent 9 years in the military, I personally think the threat to my family and myself is negligible as do the other Westerners here.

If someone wants to come to the region, be it KSA, Egypt or the UAE to work, talk to someone currently living here and don't fall for the fear mongering.

The British and the Canadians seem to agree and have removed the country from their "don't go to" or "avoid travel to" lists.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp - Countries with an asterisk (*) currently contain a Travel Warning

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling...ntral-america/?action=noTravelAll#noTravelAll