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Attorney General
John Ashcroft (left), Director Louis J. Freeh (above) and Acting United States Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia, Kenneth E. Melson (right).
 This is a photograph of Ken Melson


Press Release and Indictment, June 21, 2001

Nearly five years after a powerful truck bomb ripped through a United States military housing complex in Saudi Arabia – killing 19 Americans and wounding 372 – terrorism charges have been brought against 13 members of the pro-Iran Saudi Hizballah, or "Party of God." Another, as yet unidentified person who is linked to the Lebanese Hizballah, has also been charged in the attack.

On June 21, 2001, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Director Louis J. Freeh announced an indictment returned by a Federal Grand Jury in Alexandria, Virginia. According to the indictment, nine of the fourteen people are charged with 46 separate criminal counts including: conspiracy to kill Americans and employees of the United States, to use weapons of mass destruction, and to destroy United States property; bombing; and murder. The five other people are each charged with five conspiracy counts. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy was driven by the motive to expel Americans from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"These five years have been particularly trying for the survivors and for the families. I hope that this development [the indictment], and our commitment to continue pursuing this investigation, strengthens their confidence in the criminal justice system and aids in the healing process," Freeh said.

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This is a photograph of the Khobar Towers
This is an aerial photograph of the Khobar Tower
Khobar Towers Press Conference, FBI Headquarters, June 21, 2001, Display Photographs of 1996 Bombing