Saudis Vow to Stabilize the Nation

JIDDA, Saudi Arabia — The government here pledged anew Tuesday to ensure stability in Saudi Arabia after a deadly assault on the U.S. Consulate, and U.S. defense officials said a Marine Corps anti-terrorism team was being sent to assist in security at the facility.

Five consulate employees -- no Americans among them -- were killed in the attack Monday, and four were injured. Four assailants were also killed and a suspect was captured, Saudi officials said.

The U.S. officials discussed operational matters on condition of anonymity. The anti-terrorism team is based elsewhere in the Middle East, one official said.

The teams typically have 50 Marines and are experts in providing security and conducting raids in urban areas, said Maj. Matt Morgan, a Marine Corps spokesman at Camp Lejeune, N.C. They are often deployed after an attack.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal was quoted in the state-supervised newspaper Okaz as saying, “The kingdom is determined to root out terrorism and preserve its security and stability.”

The Interior Ministry said that five Saudi security officers were hospitalized with wounds from the gun battle at the consulate and that most had been discharged by midday Tuesday. A ministry spokesman has said that one officer was seriously injured.