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Rabat – Saudi Controversial cleric Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni has survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday in Philippines, Saudi media reported, adding that two bodyguards were killed in the attack.
Al-Qarni was shot and wounded following a lecture that he hosted at a university in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya News channel reporte
Al Arabiya quoted a Filipino official as saying that Sheikh Ayed al-Qarni was transferred to a hospital in Manila and is “fine” after being shot in the hand by an unknown gunman in Zamboanga.
Early reports suggested two of his bodyguards were killed in a shooting exchange with unknown assailant. No official confirmation has come out yet.
Local news website Manila Times quoted Helen Galvez, a police spokesperson as saying that Sheikh Turki Assaegh, a religious attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Manila was also injured in the attack.
Zamboanga-based TV channel said Al Qarni was shot by an unidentified gunman when he was about to enter his service vehicle.
According to the same source, the assailant was killed by security men while trying to escape.
Helen Galvez said it remains unknown how the gunman managed to sneak the gun he used in attacking al-Qarni and Assaegh despite “strict security measures” at the university gates.
Al-Qarni has been on the USA “Do Not Fly” list since 2012.
