Saudi Arabia today rejected remarks made four days ago by US President George Bush who said Washington was at war with “Islamic fascists”.

IN A bold attack yesterday Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded US consulate in Jiddah, then forced their way into the building and held civilians at gunpoint during which eight people were killed in the three-hour gun battle.

The mastermind of a deadly rampage that killed five belonged to a Saudi opposition group in London, according to officials in the Saudi industrial town of Yanbu today.

Saudi Arabians will be able to vote for the first time after the absolute monarchy announced it was to hold elections for municipal councils.