Former Al-Qaeda bomb expert hands himself in

A former Al-Qaeda commander has handed himself to Saudi authorities earlier this month, a security spokesperson for the Interior Ministry said yesterday.

Osama Ali Abdullah Damjan who has spent years between war zones fighting for Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. He recently contacted Saudi security services saying that he has grown tired of fighting and wishes to return to the kingdom.

The security spokesperson said Damjan will be treated in accordance with Saudi’s counter-terrorism laws. He also announced that special authorities arranged for Damjan’s arrival, security screening and medical inspection. A meeting with his parents was also arranged.

The spokesperson urged all Saudi nationals who are fighting with terrorist groups abroad to surrender.

Damjan allegedly left Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan in 2001 shortly before the 9/11 attacks, according to an Al Arabiya investigation.

Since then, he has fought and trained in Iraq, Iran and Pakistan.