Saudi Arabian government fears Al-Qaeda disguises

Saudi Arabia fears members of Al-Qaeda may disguise themselves as journalists and use camera equipment to hide bombs in order to target government dignitaries and state guests. According to the English language daily, Asharq Al-Awsat, government warnings are expected to lead to increased security procedures and rigorous inspection of journalists covering official events. In March Saudi Arabia announced that more than 100 people had been arrested in connection with an alleged Al-Qaeda suicide plot to blow up oil installations. Saudi interior ministry spokesman Major General Mansour al-Turki stressed the need for media representatives to carry credentials identifying them as journalists while on duty.

Media sources monitoring Al-Qaeda believe it may use the media in order to achieve its objectives. Several journalists from the Arab daily, al-Watan, are being protected by police since their editorial office came under fire by presumed Islamic militants. Saudi Arabia said in March it had foiled several planned attacks on oil installations with the arrest of 113 suspected Al-Qaeda militants.

Many of the suspects had come to Saudi Arabia on visas to visit holy sites or by sneaking across its borders, but wanted to join and organise attacks, the interior ministry said at the time. Saudi Arabia has taken a strong stance in pursuing militants since a series of attacks inside the country that began in May 2003. The country is the birthplace of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and home to 15 of the hijackers who targeted the United States on 11 September 2001.