Attack on Saudi Prince underscores al-Qaeda threat: US

"The US Government strongly condemns the cowardly attack late last week against Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Interior Prince Muhammad Bin Nayif," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility for the August 28 attack on Prince Muhammad -- the nephew of Saudi Monarch Abdullah -- who escaped with only minor injuries.

Gibbs said the attempt on the life of Prince Muhammad underscores the continued threat posed by al-Qaeda and the importance of strong counter-terrorism cooperation between the US and its regional partners.

"The President has discussed security cooperation in all of his interactions with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, as they both share a firm commitment to dismantle the al-Qaeda organisation and to prevent it from carrying out its murderous agenda," Gibbs said.

"Prince Muhammad has been a courageous leader of Saudi Arabia's fight against al-Qaeda, and we are very thankful that Prince Muhammad escaped this attack with only minor injuries," he said. US President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes for his full recovery.