File image.
Saudi security forces shot and killed a gunman near the United States Consulate in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported late on June 28.
The agency said that the gunman stopped his car near the consulate and got out carrying a firearm before security forces “took the initiative to deal with him as required by the situation. The firefight claimed the life of the gunman and fatally wounded a Nepalese private security guard at the diplomatic facility.
A spokesperson for the consulate confirmed the firefight. “There were two fatalities, including a member of the Consulate’s local guard force as well as the assailant, who was killed by Saudi security forces,” they said.
The spokesperson added that the consulate was locked down during the incident, no Americans were harmed in the attack, and all official American and locally employed staff have been accounted for.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased local guards member,” the spokesperson said.
The U.S. Consulate in Jeddah was targeted on several occasions in the past. In 2016, a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the facility. Back then, no group claimed responsibility for the attack. However, ISIS was the main suspect.
Saudi authorities have launched an investigation into the new attack, which took place as the Kingdom was celebrating the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC:
