The al-Qaeda terror network has reportedly claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing in Saudi Arabia.
The attack in the capital Riyadh on Saturday killed 17 people and left more than 100 injured.
According to the Al-Majallanewspaper, an e-mail from a purported al-Qaeda operative, Abu Mohammed al-Ablaj, said: "We struck Muhaya compound."
It is the first claim of responsibility for the bombing. Saudi and US officials have already blamed the attack on al-Qaeda, which opposes the US and the Saudi ruling family.Officials said the attack was similar to previous al-Qaeda strikes.
Al-Majallasays it began receiving e-mails from al-Ablaj earlier this year. One e-mail warned that "working with Americans and mixing with them" was forbidden by al-Qaeda.
A US counter terrorism official says al-Ablaj is believed to be a leading al-Qaeda figure also known as Abu Bakr.
PA