In an incident near the US consulate in Jeddah, a firefight between Saudi officials and an armed assailant resulted in two fatalities, as stated by the US State Department. The confrontation led to the deaths of the gunman and a security guard.
The State Department confirmed that no American citizens were involved in the casualties.
Armed with a firearm, the attacker had halted his vehicle near the US Consulate premises in the Jeddah Governorate, prompting immediate action from security authorities. The ensuing gun battle resulted in the attacker’s demise.
A Nepalese individual, part of the consulate’s private security detail, was injured in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries. Investigations into this fatal incident are currently ongoing.
“The US Embassy and Consulate are closely working with Saudi authorities as the investigation unfolds,” said a State Department spokesperson.
The consulate has been the target of several attacks. In 2016, a suicide bombing incident near the consulate killed the bomber and injured two others.
In 2004, the consulate was besieged by five individuals armed with explosives and firearms, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals, four Saudi security personnel outside the building, and five local staff within. Three assailants died during the attack, while the remaining two were captured.
