A shooting was reported outside the US consulate in Jeddah, leaving two people dead

On Wednesday, the official Saudi Press Agency reported that a gunman exchanged fire with the Saudi security authorities near the US Consulate building in Jeddah, which led to his death and the death of a Nepalese security guard.

“A person stopped in a car near the US Consulate building in Jeddah Governorate and got out carrying a firearm in his hand, so the security authorities took the initiative to deal with him as required, and the exchange of fire resulted in his death.” A spokesman for the Makkah Region Police said.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that a Nepalese worker working for the consulate’s security guards was injured and later died.

Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US-Saudi Relations

The American mission to Saudi Arabia began as a legation in Jeddah in 1942, according to the consulate website. However, full diplomatic relations did not begin until 1949.

like Jerusalem Post Previously reported, tensions arose between Saudi Arabia and the United States. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit in January was not well covered by the Saudi media.

Riyadh has also benefited from its growing ties with Russia and China as the Biden administration backtracked on some Saudi demands including lifting restrictions on arms sales and assistance in sensitive high-tech industries.