Scenes since last Tuesday

Inspired by the opening sequence of Citizen Kane, I am starting a new feature here at OHC - “News on the March!” I don’t know yet how frequently this feature will run, but I intend it to be a photo feature, not just verbiage.

Saudis battle terrorists.

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia — Saudi security forces battled heavily armed suspected al Qaeda members holed up in a sea-front apartment building Monday, a day after two militants — one of them the kingdom’s No. 3 most-wanted terrorist — died in clashes across this eastern city.

The American consulate in the city was closed during the gunfight. Saudi Zaid Saad Zaid al-Samari, who was killed, was on a list of 36 most-wanted terrorists sought in relation to multiple terror attacks launched in this kingdom since May 2003. The American consulate was closed during the battle.

Indonesian jet crashes in residential area

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 5 - An Indonesian passenger plane crashed into a crowded neighborhood shortly after takeoff in the northern city of Medan on Monday, killing 104 people aboard and 39 on the ground.

The operator, Mandala Airlines, said 13 people sitting in the rear had survived the fire that engulfed the plane, a Boeing 737, when it hit a busy road 500 yards from the airport in midmorning. About 20 houses caught fire, and cars on the road, a major route to the airport, were ablaze. People with their clothes on fire screamed for help, and drivers later described escaping their burning vehicles.

Several survivors said the plane, which had been headed for this capital, had made a shaky takeoff and crashed just as the flight attendant finished the announcement about safety procedures.

Katrina relief picks up the pace

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Arthur and Tech. Sgt. Chris, both pararescuemen from the 30th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., determine the next landing zone to evacuate displaced New Orleans, La., residents, Sept. 4, 2005 (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Scott Reed).