Saudi Arabia: Suspected suicide bombing thwarted in Al-Bukayriyah

Event

According to the Interior Ministry, a suspected suicide bomber was shot and arrested before being able to detonate his device in the central city of Al-Bukayriyah on Wednesday, August 15. No other people were injured in the confrontation. The would-be bomber reportedly had ideological links to the Islamic State (IS), although it is unclear if he had any substantial ties to the group.

Context

The threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia is high due to the tense regional geopolitical climate as well as the country's direct and indirect political and military involvements abroad (e.g. the country's controversial intervention in the ongoing Yemeni civil war). It is estimated that over 2000 Saudis have left the country to join IS, giving rise to fears that they could return to perpetrate attacks within the kingdom.

Advice

Given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to keep a low profile, avoid locations deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g. official buildings, military zones, etc.), and report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.