Al-Qaeda claims responsibility for abduction of Saudi Deputy Consul in Yemen
April 18, 2012
A security spokesman for the Ministry of Interior has released a statement updating the case of Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Khalidi, the Saudi Deputy Consul in Aden, Yemen, who was kidnapped by armed assailants in front of his residence March 28. The spokesman noted that Al-Khalidi’s work involved granting Yemeni citizens visas to enter the Kingdom for Hajj, Umrah, work and visits.  |
| Mishaal Mohammed Rasheed Al-Shadoukhi |
According to the statement, the Saudi Embassy in Yemen received a phone call from Mishaal Mohammed Rasheed Al-Shadoukhi, who is wanted by security authorities and whose name appears on the list of 85 wanted individuals issued on 07/02/1430 H (Feb. 2, 2009). During a conversation with the Saudi Ambassador, Al-Shudokhi claimed to be conveying a message from Al-Qaeda in Yemen. In exchange for the release of Al-Khalidi, Al-Shadoukhi demanded the release of a large number of prisoners and their transfer to his group’s custody, along with a ransom. Al-Shudokhi claimed that the Saudi prisoner is in good health, but warned that Al-Khalidi is in a precarious situation. Furthermore, he said, if Al-Qaeda’s demands are not met, “Today, a consul is kidnapped. Tomorrow, an embassy would be bombed and a prince would be killed.”
The Interior Ministry spokesman reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection and condemnation of terrorist attacks, which are prohibited by both Shariah law and Arab ethics. He insisted that the criminals who kidnapped Al-Khalidi will be held fully responsible for his safety. Demanding the immediate release of the hostage, the spokesman noted that the Kingdom is cooperating with Yemen to achieve this end.
