Saudi security forces found and killed another al-Qaeda leader in the desert kingdom today. The Saudis conducted a series of seven raids, the last of which turned up Saleh Mohammed al-Aoofi, whom they killed in a gun battle:

Al-Qaida's leader in Saudi Arabia was killed Thursday during clashes with police in the western city of Medina, the Interior Ministry said.

Saleh Mohammed al-Aoofi was among six al-Qaida militants reported killed during police raids on numerous locations in the holy city and the capital, Riyadh, security officials told The Associated Press.

Al-Aoofi, a Saudi in his late 30s, and another militant were killed during one of seven police raids in Medina, the Interior Ministry said.

The Saudis have done a remarkable job in cleaning up al-Qaeda leadership since AQ attacked foreigners in Riyadh in May 2003. Shortly after that attack, the Saudis listed 26 known terrorist leaders wanted by their security services. With the death of Aoofi, 25 of 26 have either been captured or killed by the Saudis. They also captured 10 Islamist "militants" in Medina, and killed another in a separate raid in Riyadh. The Riyadh operation also turned up a number of weapons, bombs, and documentation.

It looks like the Saudis scored a couple of big victories today. It may also show that Abdullah's reign, as expected, will bring no change in official Saudi policy towards al-Qaeda. Since Abdullah ran the country in Fahd's name for the last ten years, no change was expected anyway. The next transition will undoubtedly be the key.

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From the AP:Al-Qaida's leader in Saudi Arabia was killed Thursday during clashes with police in the western city of Medina, the Interior Ministry said. Saleh Mohammed al-Aoofi was among six al-Qaida militants reported killed during ...

Tracked on August 18, 2005 2:35 PM