Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

Saudi security forces in Jizan province killed two Yemeni nationals who attempted to pass a
checkpoint with explosives and four suicide vests for use in "imminent attacks against vital
targets," according to an official statement. On November 5, 11 former prisoners, who recently
had been released after having served their sentences for terrorism-related offenses, attacked and
killed two Saudi border guards who attempted to stop the former prisoners from crossing into
Yemen near Sharurah in Najran province. The group, composed of 10 Saudis and one Yemeni,
was subsequently arrested.
Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Saudi Arabia continued its efforts to
track, arrest, and prosecute terrorists within the Kingdom. The Ministry of Interior continued to
improve border security measures, including the ongoing installation of biometric scanners at
entry points throughout the Kingdom; aerial reconnaissance drones to patrol remote areas;
thermal imaging systems; and motion detectors and electronic-sensor fencing along the borders
with Iraq, Yemen, and Jordan.
Neighborhood police units engaged and worked directly with community members, encouraging
citizens to provide tips and information about potential terrorist activity. The Saudi government
offered rewards for information on suspected terrorists, and there were multiple announcements
throughout the year of arrests of AQAP militants and supporters.
As part of the Saudi government's move to bring to trial groups and individuals suspected of
terrorism, judicial actions included:
On April 4, the Specialized Criminal Court began the public trial of a group dubbed the
"Cell of 55" (composed of 54 Saudis and one Yemeni), which was allegedly responsible
for the 2004 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah. The trial was ongoing at year’s end.
The trial of 11 Saudis linked to the May 2004 attack on a refinery in Yanbu, in which two
American citizens were killed, continued during the year.
On June 26, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced one member of the 11-person
"Khafji cell" to 15 years in prison followed by a 15-year travel ban; the man was found
guilty of supporting terrorism through money laundering and other crimes, such as
possessing unlicensed fire arms.
Countering Terrorist Finance: Saudi Arabia is a member of the Middle East and North Africa
Financial Action Task Force, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body. Bulk
cash smuggling from individual donors and charities has reportedly provided financing to violent
extremist and terrorist groups over the past 25 years. With the advent of tighter bank regulations,
funds are reportedly collected and illicitly transferred in cash, often via pilgrims performing Hajj
or Umrah. The Saudi government has attempted to consolidate charitable campaigns under
Ministry of Interior supervision. The Saudi Arabian Financial Intelligence Unit, or SAFIU, is a
member of the Egmont Group. The Saudi government continued to provide special training
programs for bankers, prosecutors, judges, customs officers, and other officials from government
departments and agencies as part of its efforts to maintain financial controls designed to counter
terrorist financing. Despite serious and effective efforts to counter the funding of terrorism
originating from within its borders, entities in Saudi Arabia continue to serve as an important
source of cash flowing to violent Sunni extremist groups. Saudi officials acknowledged difficulty
in following the money trail with regard to illicit finance due to the preference for cash
transactions in the country. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes,
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