The Story Of Al Qaeda War On The House Of Saud

In the world of terrorism, few groups have achieved the level of notoriety and impact as Al Qaeda. The extremist organization led by Osama bin Laden gained widespread attention with its attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. However, the targets of Al Qaeda's violence are not limited to Western nations. One of their primary targets has been the ruling House of Saud in Saudi Arabia.

The Rise of Al Qaeda

To understand the conflict between Al Qaeda and the Saudi Arabian government, it is essential to delve into the origins of the group. Al Qaeda was established in the late 1980s during the Afghan-Soviet War, where radical Islamist fighters from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, joined forces to combat the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.

Path of Blood: The Story of Al Qaeda's War on the House of Saud

by Thomas Small (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	497 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Osama bin Laden, a prominent Saudi Arabian and a member of a wealthy construction family, emerged as a key figure within the organization. Bin Laden saw the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula as the epicenter of radical Islamist movements, and he sought to establish an Islamic state through violent means.

Anger Towards the House of Saud

The House of Saud, the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia, became a target for Al Qaeda due to several reasons. Firstly, bin Laden viewed the ruling regime as corrupt and decadent, antithetical to his vision of a pure Islamic society. The royal family's close association with Western powers, particularly the United States, further fueled his resentment.

Additionally, the presence of American military bases in Saudi Arabia, particularly after the Gulf War, became a source of outrage for bin Laden and his followers. The perceived desecration of the holy land by non-Muslim forces fueled the ideology of global jihad that Al Qaeda espoused.

Attacks Against Saudi Arabia

Al Qaeda wasted no time in launching attacks against Saudi Arabia. One of their most prominent acts of violence was the bombing of the Khobar Towers military complex in 1996, which resulted in the deaths of 19 American servicemen. This attack was a direct response to America's presence in the country.

Another significant attack occurred in 2003 when Al Qaeda militants targeted residential compounds housing Western expatriates in Riyadh. These attacks left dozens dead and hundreds injured, further destabilizing the region and alarming the international community.

Saudi Crackdown on Al Qaeda

The Saudi Arabian government recognized the threat posed by Al Qaeda and took swift action to counter their activities. The kingdom initiated a crackdown on terrorism, targeting Al Qaeda operatives and sympathizers within its borders. The government also implemented stringent security measures to protect vulnerable targets and prevent further attacks.

The Saudi Royal Family, aware of the risk of losing power, began to sever ties with extremist groups and adopt more moderate policies to counteract Al Qaeda's ideology. The government launched an intensive campaign to de-radicalize its population and promote a more tolerant version of Islam.

The Current State of Affairs

While Al Qaeda's influence has diminished over the years, the organization still poses a threat to the House of Saud. The group has undergone significant changes and splintered into various factions, making it harder to eradicate completely.

Today, Al Qaeda continues to target Saudi Arabia, albeit with lesser frequency. The group's focus has shifted towards other regions, primarily the Middle East and North Africa. However, the desire to overthrow the House of Saud and establish an Islamic state remains a central part of their ideology.

The story of Al Qaeda's war on the House of Saud is one of complex motivations and ideological clashes. The extremist group's anger towards the ruling Saudi regime stems from a perceived corruption and Western influence. Despite the Saudi government's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideologies, the threat persists. It is a testament to the ongoing struggle between radical Islamists and established powers in the Middle East.

Path of Blood: The Story of Al Qaeda's War on the House of Saud

by Thomas Small (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8703 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	497 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Path of Blood tells the gripping and horrifying true story of the underground army which Osama Bin Laden created in order to attack his number one target: his home country, Saudi Arabia. His aim was to conquer the land of the Two Holy Mosques, the land from where Islam had first originated, and, from there, to reestablish an Islamic Empire that could take on the West and win. Thomas Small and Jonathan Hacker use new insider evidence to expose the real story behind the Al Qaeda. Far from the image of single-minded holy warriors they present to the world, the bands of sol­diers are riven by infighting and lack of discipline. Drawing on unprecedented access to Saudi govern­ment archives, interviews with top intelligence of­ficials both in the Middle East and in the West, as well as with captured Al Qaeda militants, and access to exclusive captured video footage from Al Qaeda cells, Path of Blood tells the full story of the terrorist campaign and the desperate and deter­mined attempt by Saudi Arabia’s internal security services to put a stop to it.