Jordan: No Saudis arrested in army clashes with Islamists in Maan

Published November 24th, 2002 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Jordan said Saturday no Saudi nationals were arrested in last week's clashes between the army and Islamists in the southeastern city of Maan after Saudi officials raised the possibility three days ago. 

 

"No Saudis counted among those arrested, but certainly there were people with ties to individuals in Saudi Arabia," a security official said, requesting anonymity. 

 

His remarks came after Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz said late last week it was possible Saudi nationals had played a role in the clashes. 

 

"We regret this. We hope there was not anyone. But given the proximity of the Saudi border, it could have happened," he told reporters. 

 

Prince Nayef said measures were being taken to prevent Saudis from slipping across its western border into neighboring Jordan, AFP reported. 

 

Four civilians, a soldier and a policemen were killed in the clashes between Maan residents and security forces last week. 

 

The Islamists' alleged ringleader Mohammad Shalabi, alias Abu Sayyaf, remains at large although several of his accomplices are now in jail. (Albawaba.com)

© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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