Trial of Qaeda operatives begin in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Mar 5(ANI): Saudi Arabia has reportedly begun the trial of 55 suspected Al Qaeda operatives, some of whom are also charged in a deadly attack on a U.S. consulate in Jeddah in 2004.

Saudi media report, however, did not mention when the remaining 55 would be tried, or how many of them have been accused in connection with the consulate attack, Fox News reports.

The Saudi Interior Ministry said eight people were killed in the 2004 consulate bombing in Jeddah, including three militants and five citizens of Arab countries who had worked at the consulate. A fourth militant died later.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) believed to be one of the terror network's most active branches claimed responsibility for the attack, saying its objective was to drive non-Muslims out of the area.

A statement on the militant group's website also said the attack was in retaliation for the U.S. invasion of Iraq. (ANI)