Gunfire Exchange Near US Consulate in Jeddah Leaves Two Dead

A gunfire exchange occurred near the U.S. consulate building in Jeddah, where an armed man engaged in a firefight with Saudi Arabian security authorities, resulting in the deaths of the gunman and a security guard, according to a statement by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday.

Fortunately, no Americans were harmed during the gunfire exchange, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the State Department. (Photo: The New Arab)

Gunfire Exchange Near US Consulate in Jeddah

The gunfire exchange incident unfolded when an individual parked a car near the American Consulate building in Jeddah Governorate and emerged from the vehicle brandishing a firearm, prompting security authorities to respond accordingly, U.S. News reported.

“Security authorities took the necessary steps to address the situation, resulting in an exchange of fire that led to the perpetrator’s death,” stated a spokesperson for the Makkah Region police.

Tragically, a Nepalese worker who served as part of the consulate’s private security guards sustained injuries and later succumbed to them, as the state news agency SPA reported.

At present, investigations are underway to shed light on the details surrounding the shootings.

“The U.S. Embassy and Consulate are in constant communication with Saudi authorities as they carry out the necessary investigation into the incident,” remarked the State Department spokesperson.

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Other Gunfire Exchange Incidents

It is worth noting that the consulate has been the target of multiple attacks which includes gunfire exchange in recent years.

In 2016, a suicide bomber was neutralized near the compound, resulting in two injuries and the bomber’s death.

In a separate incident in 2004, five individuals armed with explosives and firearms stormed the U.S. consulate, claiming the lives of four Saudi security personnel outside the premises and five local staff members within.

During the assault, three attackers were killed, while two were apprehended.

The 2004 attack in Jeddah was part of a series of bombings and shootings orchestrated by al Qaeda, aimed explicitly at expatriate compounds, Westerners employed in the kingdom, and other strategic targets.

These acts of violence were part of an overarching campaign to overthrow the ruling Al Saud family.

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