Saudi guards killed in rare attack at king's palace
2 guards are killed and 3 injured in shooting attack on Saudi royal palace Saturday; attacker is shot and killed, after which a rifle and explosives are found in his possession; Saudi King Salman was visiting Russia during attack.
Two security guards were killed in a rare shooting attack at the Salaam palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Three other security guards were wounded by gunfire, before the gunman who opened fire was killed. This according to the country's interior minister.
The attack occurred at a checkpoint outside the western gate to the Peace Palace in Jeddah, where the royal family conducts official business during the summer months.
Saudi King Salman is currently outside the kingdom on a state visit to Russia.
The statement did not elaborate on the whereabouts of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although recent state news reports have placed him in Jeddah.
Security forces seized Kalashnikov rifles and petrol bombs that had been in Amri's possession.
Amri did not have a criminal record or any known connection to extremist groups, said Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki, speaking by phone to al-Arabiya television.
An investigation was underway to determine his motive for the attack, said Turki.
Following the attack, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia ordered US citizens to exercise increased caution near the palace in Jeddah.
