Suicide bombing near US consulate in Saudi: Report

An explosion was heard on Monday near the US consulate general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera cited local media as saying.

Riyadh: A suicide bomber blew himself up early Monday near the United States consulate in Saudi Arabia`s Red Sea city of Jeddah, reported the Sabq online newspaper, which is close to authorities.

It said two security officers were hurt "as a result of the failed bombing" on July 4, the day when Americans celebrate their independence.

Security officers sealed off the area after "a person blew himself up in a car in front of the US consulate in Jeddah," the report said.

The incident happened just before the dawn prayers after which Muslims begin their daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Neither American embassy officers nor the Saudi interior ministry could immediately be reached for comment.