In Saudi Arabia, Americans Mourn 5 Blast Victims
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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — About 1,000 people attended a memorial service Friday for five Americans killed in a bombing that shattered the tranquil life of U.S. expatriates in Saudi Arabia.
With the American flag fluttering at half staff, friends and relatives flocked to the sprawling U.S. Embassy compound for the private ceremony in a garden behind high walls.
Non-Americans and the media were not allowed to attend.
The bodies of the five Americans killed in Monday’s explosion were put on a flight to the United States a few hours before the midmorning ceremony.
In all, six people were killed and about 60 were injured in the bombing of a U.S.-run military training facility in the heart of Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
A U.S. Embassy spokesman said U.S. Ambassador Raymond Mabus read a message from President Clinton at Friday’s memorial service.
Up to 40,000 Americans live in Saudi Arabia. Following Monday’s attack, security has been stepped up at their housing and working compounds.
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