The White House says a failed assassination attempt against a Saudi anti-terrorism minister was a "cowardly attack" and serves as a reminder of the importance of U.S. cooperation with partners in that region, Associated Press reported.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says President Barack Obama is thankful Prince Mohammed bin Nayef survived the assassination attempt Thursday. Gibbs praised Saudi Arabia's effort to crack down on terrorism and thanked Mohammed for his efforts.
A Saudi militant blew himself up while pretending to surrender to Mohammed at his home in Jiddah. The Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has claimed responsibility for the attack and identified Yemen-based Abdullah Hassan Tali Assiri as the bomber.