Kidnapped Saudi Consul in Yemen Urges Saudi King to Solve His Case

In a second video appearance, Abdullah Mohammed Khalifa al-Khaldi, the Saudi Vice-Consul in Aden – south province of Yemen -, who was kidnapped back in March in al-Mansoura district while he was heading to his office, appeared on Monday in a video urging King Abdullah -  Saudi kings to intervene.

 Several security analysts amongst whom Marcy Kreiter from Debka warned last month that since al-Khalidi has been identified by al-Qaida as a spy collaborating with America, his life was in danger.

Al-Khalidi is believed to be held prisoner alongside Swiss national Sylvia Abrahard, an English teacher who was kidnapped as well by al-Qaida in March. Al-Khalidi kidnapping which deeply angered Saudi Arabi, prompted officials to close down the Saudi embassy in sana’a, the Yemeni capital and cancel all visas to Yemenis. In the video, which al-Qaida broadcasted through al-Malhem Media, its own internet platform, al-Khalidi is seen calling on the Saudi King to arrange his release, begging for the authorities to comply with the demands of his abductors. 

“I appeal to them – Custodian of the Two Holy mosques, King Abdullah, Prince Saud al-Faisal and Mohammed bin Nayef -and ask them to  reconsider my kidnappers’ request as to release all women prisoners in Saudi Arabia. My Fate is connected to releasing those women,” he said.

 “If you release those women, they will release me,” he appealed. “Don’t abandon me to such a somber fate.” Al-Khalidi then is seen turning its attention toward the Saudi people, demanding that they too exert pressure on the government to arrange his release. 

 “I appeal to all the Saudi people and tribes not to abandon me. Al-Qaida’s demands are not beyond reason, they are attainable,” he said. Pleading his case al-Khalidi referred to the case of a young Shiite girl who after having accused and convicted of adultery in Saudi Arabia was pardoned by the King, escaping a certain death. Adenalghad.com – a local news site – claimed that the video was actually shot several months ago, raising some questions as to the al-Khalidi’s fate, quoting some sources from within Ansar al-Sharia – an offshoot of al-Qaida in the region. Moreover, sources close to the matter said that the vice-consul had been moved on several occasions, as to ..... prevent his localization by Yemen security forces.

Allegedly al-Khalidi would have stayed several months in Jaar, before being moved to  Azan and then to a mountainous area in the Directorate of Mahfed in Abyan -southern province of Yemen previously under the control of al-Qaida militants - before being transferred a few days ago to the mountainous region of Laqmosh.


Al-Khalidi is now said to be mentally suffering from his abduction. Psychologists have longed establish that in period of intense stress individuals can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can trigger an whole array of physical and psychological disorders. After four months of imprisonment and the constant fear of being executed one can only imagine the trauma such stress could have on one’s mind.

 With Saudi officials having said they would only re-open Sana’a embassy upon the release of their diplomat, anger is rising in Yemen as thousands of wannabe pilgrims fear they will be left stranded in Yemen, prevented to perform Hajj. 

Despite President Abdu Raboo Masnour Hadi having order the tribal mediation committee to resume its negotiations with al-Qaida and promises from tribal sources to the media that Sheikhs were making positive progress, Yemenis are awaiting mre concrete steps. 

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