Bodies of Saudi blast victims flown home
June 27, 1996
Web posted at: 1:50 p.m. EDT (1550 GMT)DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia (CNN) -- The bodies of 19 American servicemen killed in Saudi Arabia's deadliest terror bombing were flown home Thursday as investigators continued to comb the site for clues. (762K QuickTime movie)
The plane arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware about 11:30 a.m. EDT (1530 GMT).
Two previously unknown militant groups claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Pentagon officials said they doubted the claims were genuine.
"Although there have been some claims of responsibility, we don't know if those are spurious or valid," said Secretary of State Warren Christopher.
U.S. officials said 270 Americans were injured in the explosion. Saudi officials said 386 people were wounded, including 147 Saudis. Many remained hospitalized.
A brief ceremony was held for the slain servicemen before their bodies were placed aboard an Air Force C-5 transport plane at 2 a.m. Thursday (2300 GMT Wednesday/7 p.m. EDT), Maj. Jim Stratford said. An American flag was draped over each casket.
Saudis offer reward
In London, the Al-Arab newspaper said it received an anonymous call from a man who claimed responsibility for the bombing on behalf of the Legion of the Martyr Abdullah al-Hufaizi -- a group named after a Saudi citizen beheaded last year for throwing acid at a policeman.
The caller threatened more attacks if the Saudi government does not expel the American military presence and other international forces from the region.
Another news agency said a man contacted them and claimed responsibility on behalf of Hezbollah Gulf.
"In the name of God the merciful," the caller said, "Hezbollah Gulf declares its total responsibility for the Saudi explosion. We threaten to carry out more attacks."
There was no way to verify either claim or to determine if the groups actually exist, officials said. Saudi Arabia posted a $2.7 million reward for information about two men seen fleeing the scene minutes before the explosion.
Christopher visits victims
Christopher and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud, toured the explosion site Wednesday in Al Khobar, near Dhahran.
"It's almost incredible the loss of life wasn't larger," Christopher said when he saw the devastation.
Afterward, the secretary visited wounded Americans in the hospital. At one point, he leaned over and proudly told a bandaged serviceman that America was rooting for his speedy recovery.
"We wish you the very best," Christopher said. "All Americans hope you are extremely well. Good luck to you."
The bomb scene was being heavily guarded by Saudi army troops and policemen, and security officials Thursday waved away reporters and photographers. Floodlights lit up the area overnight as American-Saudi investigation teams combed through mounds of debris.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Christopher tours Saudi bomb wreckage - June 26, 1996
- Partial list of Americans killed in the blast - June 26, 1996
- Massive bomb rocks U.S. military complex - June 25, 1996
- President Clinton's remarks - June 25, 1996
- November attack in Saudi Arabia - November 13, 1995
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- Air Force News Service
- U.S. Air Force in Europe
- Patrick Air Force Base
- Eglin Air Force Base
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