A suicide bomber attack, possibly preparing to attack a U.S. consulate in Saudi Arabia, was thwarted Monday when security guards at a hospital across the street from the U.S. outpost accosted a man, who then blew himself up.
The bomber, who was seen to be acting suspiciously, detonated his vest as he was approached by security. He was killed, while two of the security guards were injured. Further blasts were later heard as police performed what were apparently controlled explosions at the scene, according to Reuters.
The attack occurred as the United States is on heightened alert due to the July 4 holiday and the approaching end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
