Al-Qaida threatens to murder hostage
The man, identifying himself as Paul Johnson, was shown blindfolded, saying he worked on an Apache helicopter programme for a US defence firm, Lockheed Martin, in the kingdom.
"I'm an American out of the United States. I work on a Apache helicopter," said the 49-year-old in a faltering voice.
He spoke for 25 seconds on the four-and-a-half minute video recording, which was aired by CNN.
He was shown with a torn shirt, exposing a tattoo on his left shoulder, and appeared to be wearing a bandage on his neck and head.
A masked man armed with an automatic weapon identified himself as Abdul Aziz al-Muqrin, the self-proclaimed military leader of al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia.
"If the tyrants of the Saudi government want their master Paul Marshall Johnson to be released, they must release the mujahideen held in the prisons in Haer, Ar-Ruwais and Allecha within 72 hours," the gunman said.
"Otherwise, we will execute him to avenge our Muslim brothers whose blood has been spilled freely."
The statement was dated June 15.
The kidnappers also demanded that all Westerners leave the Arabian peninsula.
Saudi officials indicated that while efforts would be made to free Mr Johnson, the government would not negotiate with terrorists. Mr Johnson's family have appealed for his release.
