Jeddah: Hostages taken in consulate attack
Saudi security forces have confirmed an unknown number of hostages have been taken inside the US consulate in Jeddah.
Some reports said 18 people had been taken hostage and four killed in an attack on the US consulate in Saudi Arabia.
An explosion was heard today in front of the consulate, witnesses said, and there were reports that gunfire was heard before the blast.
Witnesses say Saudi forces entered the consulate shortly before fierce gunfire was heard inside.
In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Susan Pittman confirmed there was an “on-going situation” in Jeddah, but said she was not aware of any American casualties or any hostages. She said there were few details yet about the incident.
