A TV grab shows that black smoke was seen rising from the US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, Dec. 6, 2004. At least four Saudi national guards were killed by the gunmen who stormed the US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Monday. (Xinhua/AFP photo) File photo taken on Sept. 12, 2004 shows the outside of US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.  (Xinhua file photo)

    RAYADH, Dec. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Three attackers were killed and two were injured and arrested by Saudi security forces when US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah came under attack Monday, the Interior Ministry announced.

    The official Saudi Press Agency quoted a statement as saying that Saudi security forces engaged the attackers, "killing three aggressors, and two were captured after they were hit."

    The statement said a "stray bunch", a reference to Islamic militants, threw explosives at the gate of the consulate then entered.

    "The situation was brought under control," it added. Earlier the Dubai-based al-Arabiya TV reported that at least one gunman was killed by Saudi security forces when US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah came under attack Monday.

    Another two attackers were arrested after they exchanged fire with security guards inside the US mission compound.

    According to US Embassy spokesperson Carol Kalin, all US diplomats have been accounted for and there was no word on US casualties.

    The attack started early Monday with gunshots and explosions. Four Saudi security guards have been killed and 18 local consulate staff taken hostage by the attackers, earlier reports said.

    The area has been cordoned off by security forces.

    Violence has surged in the kingdom since last May, during which militants with alleged links to al-Qaida have staged several bombing attacks against western targets and dozens of foreigners have been killed.

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