Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Huge Explosion in Central Baghdad; Kidnapping of American in Saudi Arabia

Aired June 14, 2004 - 05:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Rush hour in Baghdad shattered by a deadly bombing this morning.
It is Monday, June 14th.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date right now.

At least six are dead, five of them non-Iraqis, in a car bombing this morning during Baghdad's rush hour. Fifty-seven people are injured, among them five French citizens, a Nigerian, and two from Sudan. Authorities suspect Westerners were the bombers' targets.

Ruling parties of the European Union take a hit at the polls. Voters across Europe hand opposition parties victory after victory. It's the first parliamentary vote since the E.U. expanded from 15 nations to 25.

In money news, who wouldn't love this? A national survey finds average gas prices in the United States have dropped, dropped more than $0.06 in the last three weeks.

In culture, the boy wizard is still casting a spell over moviegoers. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was number one at the box office again this weekend, taking in just over $35 million.

In sports, oh, the Detroit Pistons move closer to a championship with an 88-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons now hold a three games to one edge in the best of seven series.

It was a pretty exciting game to see last night -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It was, but obviously I didn't stay up for it. It was a racing weekend for me. I had 24 hours of Lemans, I had Canadian Grand Prix, I had Pocono.

COSTELLO: Yes, well, what the heck are we looking at now?

MYERS: This is Kansas, actually; out toward Mulvane, Kansas; not all that far from Wichita. A big rope tornado, probably an F1 there, with wind speeds on the ground over 100 miles per hour. And as that camera zoomed in, what it was actually picking up there was actually parts of a home and parts of a mobile home. There you see the pieces left flying. Most folks are not injured by getting picked up in a tornado like Toto. Most people are injured by getting hit by something outside of that tornado doing 100 miles an hour. Even if it's a shingle off a house, that's going to hurt. So that's why always say get inside and get to the lowest level.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Sixteen days until the U.S.-led coalition handover over sovereignty in Iraq and there is another explosion in central Baghdad. A car packed with more than 100,000 pounds of explosives goes off near the capital's Liberation Square.

Jane Arraf was there.

She filed this report for us just a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A huge explosion in central Baghdad during morning rush hour has killed five foreign nationals working on the electricity sector, according to the country's prime minister designate, Iyad Allawi. Described the explosion as a suicide bomb.

It went off this morning just after 8:00 a.m. local time on one of the busiest streets in Baghdad's commercial district, near Liberation Square. We saw smoke rising from the area, police cars, ambulances racing. And in the rubble, people were being pulled out. It appeared that at least several Iraqis had been crushed by the falling rubble. Several others have died, as well. And in the hospitals, according to hospital and police officials, up to 57 more people may have been injured.

This was a car bomb meant to explode at the busiest possible time in one of the busiest streets. The target apparently a convoy of vehicles carrying Western contractors. Hospital officials and security officials say French nationals were believed to be among the casualties. The French embassy says it's checking those reports. But most of the victims clearly Iraqi.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Rough pictures to look at this morning. We apologize for that, but, breaking news overnight. We had to show you what's happening there.

Iraq's new interim prime minister vows to bring those responsible for today's bombing to justice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: We deplore this terrorist act and vow to get the criminals to justice as soon as possible. I have met today with my ministerial committee for national security and they have assured me that we will play an important role in the investigations of this crime and an even bigger role in ensuring to the Iraqi people and any foreign civilian assistance that we will prevent these criminals and cowardly acts from occurring in the future.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Prime Minister Allawi says the new government will assume full sovereignty from the U.S.-led coalition on June 30.

Today's bombing extends a string of weekend violence in Iraq. Updating you on all of that now, a car bomb attack near a U.S. military installation on the outskirts of Baghdad killed 12 Iraqis on Sunday. Thirteen other people were injured. Among the dead, four Iraqi police officers. Also in Baghdad on Sunday, gunmen kill Education Ministry official Kamar al-Jarrah outside his home. It was the third attack, and the second successful one, on a senior Iraqi official in less than a week.

Ghazi al-Yawer, Iraq's president, was asked whether Iraqi leaders or the U.S. military will make decisions on military operations. The president says on major operations, and I'm quoting here, "They've got to seek approval of the Iraqi leadership or command."

In Saudi Arabia, the search goes on for an American believed kidnapped over the weekend by Islamic militants.

CNN correspondent Sean Callebs has more for you from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A stoic expression -- the kind that could be attached to anyone's drivers license. This is how the world is getting to know 49-year-old Lockheed Martin employee Paul Johnson after suspected terrorists placed the information on the Web.

For 10 years, according to his family, Johnson worked in Saudi Arabia, until his apparent kidnapping.

From Florida, an agonized son.

PAUL JOHNSON III, SON OF MISSING AMERICAN: I just say let him go, you know? He don't deserve this. He don't deserve -- he don't deserve it.

CALLEBS: A group calling itself "a Fallujah squadron" says Johnson was targeted because he worked for a U.S. defense contractor. More anti-American violence this week. Two other U.S. citizens killed who also worked in the defense industry, including 63-year-old Robert Jacobs. Terrorists posted a videotape on a militant Islamic Web site of what they claim is Jacobs being shot in the back multiple times, followed by what appeared to be sawing motions at the victim's neck. COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: It's a troubling time in Saudi Arabia and I know that the Saudis are doing everything they can to deal with this terrorist threat.

CALLEBS: Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are working together to resolve the kidnapping, halt the recent spate of violence in the kingdom and do what they can to make sure Saudi Arabia's vast oil supplies are not interrupted. In recent weeks, al Qaeda has made it clear it was targeting the oil sector. U.S. officials are now concerned this might represent a shift to attacking private citizens and other industry.

Saudi ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar Bin-Sultan, calls the attacks against U.S. citizens "craven acts of evil designed to frighten away our friends and allies." Administration officials agree.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: It is, like many places in the world right now, a place in which terrorists are trying to make their mark. We are doing everything we can, with the Saudis, to try and protect those who are there.

SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-MS), CHAIRMAN, INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: I think the terrorists understand that if they attack the oil infrastructure, that really presents a problem for the United States. And they are kidnapping or killing Americans if they can.

CALLEBS (on camera): The U.S. Embassy says it believes the recent attacks against U.S. citizens involved extensive planning, including surveillance of the victims. This is leading the embassy to warn U.S. citizens still in the area to lie low and always be aware of their surroundings in these dangerous times.

Sean Callebs, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And right now it's just after noon in the Saudi capital, so let's see what's happening with the search for that missing American.

Our Caroline Faraj is in the region, in Dubai, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

She joins us live by telephone -- good morning, Caroline.

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Well, yes, indeed, the Saudis are still looking for the missing American or the kidnapped American. And the sources in Saudi Arabia, they're confirming that they're working with the Americans and they're working hand in hand in order to find the missing American.

On the other hand, they're also receiving a lot of tips and information and calls from locals telling them about sometimes some strange vehicles parking in a strange place or sometimes they look at people and they think that they might be also working with the same cell groups, that they are -- the militants, that they are attacking Westerners and maybe Americans these days.

So the Saudis are very optimistic and they're so determined in order to put an end to this crisis -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Yes, we were just looking at -- just to share with our viewers what they were seeing -- that Web site by al Qaeda that posted grizzly video and, of course, the driver's license of Mr. Johnson.

We heard from Sean Callebs' report that this is a meticulously planned operation by al Qaeda. We imagine these terrorists running all over the place, not having a central base.

How is it that they can meticulously plan like this?

FARAJ: Well, you have to remember, Carol, that it's a tribal community. So that you find sometimes the same tribe is spreading all over the kingdom. And the kingdom is really big. So some sources were basically explaining this issue to me by saying that you have to remember that these people, they know a lot of people. They have their own relatives all over. So they can protect each other.

So -- and the plan, the plan, it is very possible, because according to the statement issued on the Web site, the Saudi Web site that was seen, and it was on the screen, they are saying that they know that these two people, they were on their way back home. So they would know that -- they know their schedule, they know their route and they know where they live.

So it was well planned and they knew exactly -- what exactly they were targeting. So it is correct that it is planned -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Caroline Faraj reporting live for us by phone from Dubai.

Thank you very much.

It looks like U.S. military officials knew about abuse in Iraq's Abu Ghraib Prison months before they acknowledged it. According to the "New York Times," internal military documents show an interrogation unit reported the mistreatment of detainees to senior officers back in November of 2003. That's a full two months before officials say they learned of the abuses.

Law makers accuse the CIA of dragging its feet on releasing a report critical of the agency's pre-Iraq war intelligence. The CIA is reviewing the document to prevent any classified information from being released. The Senate report is called a stinging indictment of CIA failures. Some senators see it as one reason Director George Tenet resigned. Other reports are still to come this summer from the House Intelligence Committee and the 9/11 Commission.

Here are some stories making news across America this Monday.

Police in Washington State are trying to figure out why a mother killed her two daughters. Charlene Dorcy led police to an abandoned rock pit, where she said she killed her children. Police recovered the bodies of two girls, ages four and two. Dorcy is now in jail and police are waiting to talk to her husband before committing her -- or commenting, rather, on her mental state.

In southern California, sheriffs' deputies in a helicopter shoot and kill a suspected sniper. The helicopter pilot was wounded during the four and a half hour shootout. Earlier, the suspect had opened fire at a recycling center, injuring one worker and two deputies who had responded to the shots.

Labor problems at the site of the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Boston officials are meeting with the police union in an effort to reach an agreement on a new contract. Union members have been picketing outside the Fleet Center, where the convention will take place next month. Picketers disrupted renovation efforts on the arena. The police have been without a contract for two years.

No one even told the guy to take a jump. But a former president does it anyway, and just for the fun of it.

Pakistan reports striking a major blow against terrorism, arresting al Qaeda suspects and netting a cache of weapons.

And backed by a booming economy, more and more Chinese are choosing four wheels instead of two.

And teaching teenagers about the bible in their own language, whatever that may be.

This is DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:16 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Westerners may have been the target of a massive car bomb attack in central Baghdad this morning. At least six people were killed, among them French and some British -- Britons, rather. More than 50 others were injured in the blast.

Large crowds are expected today for the reopening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The former president was entombed on the library grounds Saturday. The library has been closed since his death on June 5.

In money news, builders say the rising price of raw materials is driving up construction costs. The largest construction company in the Washington D.C. area says the cost of steel used in their project has nearly doubled since last fall.

In culture, filmmaker Michael Moore says he was just kidding when he said he'd make his next documentary on British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his role in the war in Iraq. Moore has won critical acclaim for a similar movie about President Bush.

In sports, another milestone home run for Barry Bonds. Bonds became just the third player to hit 500 homers as a member of the Giants. His godfather, Willie Mays, also reached that plateau -- Chad.

MYERS: See you.

That was deep. Out of there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

If you're planning a vacation trip, oh, have we got news for you. A Lundberg Survey finds the national average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is now $2.01. That's down $0.064 over the last three weeks, if you're counting, and I'm sure you are. Sampling some locales, drivers in San Francisco are still paying $2.32 a gallon. In Tulsa, it's a buck 75. Here in Atlanta, $1.84; while in Motown, Detroit, it's $1.93 per gallon.

Up, up and away -- a high flying celebration for a former president goes to new heights. He's pretty amazing, isn't he?

Also, the Olympics just a few weeks away and the Olympic flag heads south of the border. We will have the latest on the torch travels ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Quick, look up in the sky. It is a -- let's wait till he jumps. It's a -- it's a flying Bush somewhere over College Station, Texas. George H.W. Bush bailed out 13,000 feet over his presidential library at Texas A&M. The sky dive wrapped up the former president's 80th birthday festivities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This was a real thrill for me and I felt no fear in the hands of these, the most qualified, the best paratroopers we've got in our military. They were absolutely fantastic and for me to get a chance to jump with the Golden Knights, I'll tell you, it's a dream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: A dream I don't think I will share.

Later this morning, Golden Knights Staff Sergeant Brian Schnell will tell CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" all about his tandem jump with the former President Bush.

Time for more DAYBREAK Eye-Openers right now. Larry Olmsted had some time on his hands, so he spent it at the poker table. Olmsted set a world record by playing poker for a continuous 72 hours at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. He stopped for occasional bathroom breaks, but otherwise he was on his game for three straight days. In case you're wondering, he won about a thousand bucks. A thousand bucks in three days.

Courtney Cox has a brand new friend. "People" magazine reports that Cox has given birth to a girl. She gave birth over the weekend. Cox and her husband David Arquette have been trying to have a baby for several years. It's unknown what the couple has named the baby, but we're guessing it's either Rachel or Phoebe. We just pray it's not Apple.

The crocodile hunter may have again bitten off more than he can chew. Steve Irwin is being investigated by the Australian government for getting too close to whales and penguins while filming a documentary in Antarctica. He could face fines of up to $1 million and two years in jail. Word is, Chad, that someone saw him riding on the back of a whale. I don't know if that's true, but that's the big controversy. He's in big trouble, if he, indeed, was riding on the back of a whale in the Antarctica.

MYERS: Is that right? Because that's illegal?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: You can't get too close to whales.

MYERS: No molesting the whales.

COSTELLO: Exactly. Exactly.

Let's talk about the Olympics and the torch.

MYERS: It is -- it was a great day yesterday for Pele.

COSTELLO: Oh, it really was.

MYERS: Yes. He was in tears.

COSTELLO: Rio de Janeiro, Pele had tears in his eyes, you're right, as he was running with the torch. And we're showing you a map of where Rio de Janeiro is because -- there, we do have Pele video. Oh, look at him. Oh. Oh, that breaks your heart, doesn't it? But he's crying in happiness because of the great honor bestowed on him to carry that Olympic torch.

In case you're wondering where the torch goes next, Mexico City.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: Then on to Los Angeles. And then on to St. Louis.

MYERS: And then? And then?

COSTELLO: Then it comes here to Atlanta.

MYERS: So Carol can pick it up.

COSTELLO: I know, but I'm no Pele.

MYERS: No, but you may have tears in your eyes.

COSTELLO: I will have tears in my eyes.

MYERS: I mean that's pretty amazing, right? That's a great -- a great honor.

COSTELLO: Oh, I'm telling you. As we watch the torch travel across North America, DAYBREAK will be taking a closer look at the torch travels and the Olympics all week long. So you can join us at, of course, 5:00 a.m. Eastern, as usual.

MYERS: Right. We're actually going to do a little bit special on Friday, as well.

COSTELLO: We're going to be live outside of our studios for the first -- this is history making on DAYBREAK.

MYERS: The first live show outside the studio?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Yes, we're actually going to be in the park where the Olympic ceremonies were taking place back in the Atlanta Olympics. So, we'll be back there.

COSTELLO: Won't that be exciting?

MYERS: It will be.

COSTELLO: I don't know if we can handle it.

MYERS: There will be no one else out there except us, but it will be exciting.

COSTELLO: It'll be dark, but we will be out there and we will be having a good time. And we'll bring you some interesting stories about the Olympics. So, of course, we hope you'll join us on Friday.

Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Teens and religion -- we take a look at the new bible that just might get teenagers interested in that big dude in the Senator Kerry.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNSON: This should not have happened. This could have been very preventable.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: An American is apparently kidnapped in Saudi Arabia and a son is left to wonder how it could have happened.

Also, security forces have delivered a serious blow to the al Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan. We've got all the details for you live from Islamabad.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN BEKKERS, PRESIDENT & CEO, GOLD KIST INC.: The key thing to running a successful company would be to surround yourself with successful people, people that are motivated, and to create an environment for individuals who succeed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: John Bekkers is at the top of the pecking order for Gold Kist, one of the nation's largest and only cooperative chicken companies. Fourteen million chickens are produced a week by more than 2,000 farmers and sold under the Gold Kist Farms name and private supermarket labels.

BEKKERS: I'm a strong believer in letting the people perform. People are allowed to take risks. People are allowed to even make mistakes. And we don't stand over them every day telling them what to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: New this morning -- tensions running high in Baghdad after another deadly car bombing.

It is Monday, June 14.

This is DAYBREAK.

Good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date now.

A car bomb attack this morning devastated an area in the heart of Baghdad's commercial center. Iraqi officials say at least six were killed. More than 55 others were injured.

In Saudi Arabia, the FBI joins authorities in Riyadh in the search for Paul Johnson, an American apparently abducted by Islamic militants. The group also claims responsibility for gunning down another American in Riyadh the day before. In money news, beginning today Internet users will be able to download and watch movies like "Finding Nemo" and others online for a flat monthly subscription fee. RealNetworks and the Star's Encore Group are launching the service as a way to head off privacy.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired June 14, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Rush hour in Baghdad shattered by a deadly bombing this morning.
It is Monday, June 14th.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date right now.

At least six are dead, five of them non-Iraqis, in a car bombing this morning during Baghdad's rush hour. Fifty-seven people are injured, among them five French citizens, a Nigerian, and two from Sudan. Authorities suspect Westerners were the bombers' targets.

Ruling parties of the European Union take a hit at the polls. Voters across Europe hand opposition parties victory after victory. It's the first parliamentary vote since the E.U. expanded from 15 nations to 25.

In money news, who wouldn't love this? A national survey finds average gas prices in the United States have dropped, dropped more than $0.06 in the last three weeks.

In culture, the boy wizard is still casting a spell over moviegoers. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was number one at the box office again this weekend, taking in just over $35 million.

In sports, oh, the Detroit Pistons move closer to a championship with an 88-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons now hold a three games to one edge in the best of seven series.

It was a pretty exciting game to see last night -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It was, but obviously I didn't stay up for it. It was a racing weekend for me. I had 24 hours of Lemans, I had Canadian Grand Prix, I had Pocono.

COSTELLO: Yes, well, what the heck are we looking at now?

MYERS: This is Kansas, actually; out toward Mulvane, Kansas; not all that far from Wichita. A big rope tornado, probably an F1 there, with wind speeds on the ground over 100 miles per hour. And as that camera zoomed in, what it was actually picking up there was actually parts of a home and parts of a mobile home. There you see the pieces left flying. Most folks are not injured by getting picked up in a tornado like Toto. Most people are injured by getting hit by something outside of that tornado doing 100 miles an hour. Even if it's a shingle off a house, that's going to hurt. So that's why always say get inside and get to the lowest level.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Sixteen days until the U.S.-led coalition handover over sovereignty in Iraq and there is another explosion in central Baghdad. A car packed with more than 100,000 pounds of explosives goes off near the capital's Liberation Square.

Jane Arraf was there.

She filed this report for us just a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JANE ARRAF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A huge explosion in central Baghdad during morning rush hour has killed five foreign nationals working on the electricity sector, according to the country's prime minister designate, Iyad Allawi. Described the explosion as a suicide bomb.

It went off this morning just after 8:00 a.m. local time on one of the busiest streets in Baghdad's commercial district, near Liberation Square. We saw smoke rising from the area, police cars, ambulances racing. And in the rubble, people were being pulled out. It appeared that at least several Iraqis had been crushed by the falling rubble. Several others have died, as well. And in the hospitals, according to hospital and police officials, up to 57 more people may have been injured.

This was a car bomb meant to explode at the busiest possible time in one of the busiest streets. The target apparently a convoy of vehicles carrying Western contractors. Hospital officials and security officials say French nationals were believed to be among the casualties. The French embassy says it's checking those reports. But most of the victims clearly Iraqi.

Jane Arraf, CNN, reporting from Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Rough pictures to look at this morning. We apologize for that, but, breaking news overnight. We had to show you what's happening there.

Iraq's new interim prime minister vows to bring those responsible for today's bombing to justice.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IYAD ALLAWI, IRAQI INTERIM PRIME MINISTER: We deplore this terrorist act and vow to get the criminals to justice as soon as possible. I have met today with my ministerial committee for national security and they have assured me that we will play an important role in the investigations of this crime and an even bigger role in ensuring to the Iraqi people and any foreign civilian assistance that we will prevent these criminals and cowardly acts from occurring in the future.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Prime Minister Allawi says the new government will assume full sovereignty from the U.S.-led coalition on June 30.

Today's bombing extends a string of weekend violence in Iraq. Updating you on all of that now, a car bomb attack near a U.S. military installation on the outskirts of Baghdad killed 12 Iraqis on Sunday. Thirteen other people were injured. Among the dead, four Iraqi police officers. Also in Baghdad on Sunday, gunmen kill Education Ministry official Kamar al-Jarrah outside his home. It was the third attack, and the second successful one, on a senior Iraqi official in less than a week.

Ghazi al-Yawer, Iraq's president, was asked whether Iraqi leaders or the U.S. military will make decisions on military operations. The president says on major operations, and I'm quoting here, "They've got to seek approval of the Iraqi leadership or command."

In Saudi Arabia, the search goes on for an American believed kidnapped over the weekend by Islamic militants.

CNN correspondent Sean Callebs has more for you from Washington.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A stoic expression -- the kind that could be attached to anyone's drivers license. This is how the world is getting to know 49-year-old Lockheed Martin employee Paul Johnson after suspected terrorists placed the information on the Web.

For 10 years, according to his family, Johnson worked in Saudi Arabia, until his apparent kidnapping.

From Florida, an agonized son.

PAUL JOHNSON III, SON OF MISSING AMERICAN: I just say let him go, you know? He don't deserve this. He don't deserve -- he don't deserve it.

CALLEBS: A group calling itself "a Fallujah squadron" says Johnson was targeted because he worked for a U.S. defense contractor. More anti-American violence this week. Two other U.S. citizens killed who also worked in the defense industry, including 63-year-old Robert Jacobs. Terrorists posted a videotape on a militant Islamic Web site of what they claim is Jacobs being shot in the back multiple times, followed by what appeared to be sawing motions at the victim's neck. COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: It's a troubling time in Saudi Arabia and I know that the Saudis are doing everything they can to deal with this terrorist threat.

CALLEBS: Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are working together to resolve the kidnapping, halt the recent spate of violence in the kingdom and do what they can to make sure Saudi Arabia's vast oil supplies are not interrupted. In recent weeks, al Qaeda has made it clear it was targeting the oil sector. U.S. officials are now concerned this might represent a shift to attacking private citizens and other industry.

Saudi ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar Bin-Sultan, calls the attacks against U.S. citizens "craven acts of evil designed to frighten away our friends and allies." Administration officials agree.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: It is, like many places in the world right now, a place in which terrorists are trying to make their mark. We are doing everything we can, with the Saudis, to try and protect those who are there.

SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-MS), CHAIRMAN, INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE: I think the terrorists understand that if they attack the oil infrastructure, that really presents a problem for the United States. And they are kidnapping or killing Americans if they can.

CALLEBS (on camera): The U.S. Embassy says it believes the recent attacks against U.S. citizens involved extensive planning, including surveillance of the victims. This is leading the embassy to warn U.S. citizens still in the area to lie low and always be aware of their surroundings in these dangerous times.

Sean Callebs, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And right now it's just after noon in the Saudi capital, so let's see what's happening with the search for that missing American.

Our Caroline Faraj is in the region, in Dubai, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

She joins us live by telephone -- good morning, Caroline.

CAROLINE FARAJ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Well, yes, indeed, the Saudis are still looking for the missing American or the kidnapped American. And the sources in Saudi Arabia, they're confirming that they're working with the Americans and they're working hand in hand in order to find the missing American.

On the other hand, they're also receiving a lot of tips and information and calls from locals telling them about sometimes some strange vehicles parking in a strange place or sometimes they look at people and they think that they might be also working with the same cell groups, that they are -- the militants, that they are attacking Westerners and maybe Americans these days.

So the Saudis are very optimistic and they're so determined in order to put an end to this crisis -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Yes, we were just looking at -- just to share with our viewers what they were seeing -- that Web site by al Qaeda that posted grizzly video and, of course, the driver's license of Mr. Johnson.

We heard from Sean Callebs' report that this is a meticulously planned operation by al Qaeda. We imagine these terrorists running all over the place, not having a central base.

How is it that they can meticulously plan like this?

FARAJ: Well, you have to remember, Carol, that it's a tribal community. So that you find sometimes the same tribe is spreading all over the kingdom. And the kingdom is really big. So some sources were basically explaining this issue to me by saying that you have to remember that these people, they know a lot of people. They have their own relatives all over. So they can protect each other.

So -- and the plan, the plan, it is very possible, because according to the statement issued on the Web site, the Saudi Web site that was seen, and it was on the screen, they are saying that they know that these two people, they were on their way back home. So they would know that -- they know their schedule, they know their route and they know where they live.

So it was well planned and they knew exactly -- what exactly they were targeting. So it is correct that it is planned -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Caroline Faraj reporting live for us by phone from Dubai.

Thank you very much.

It looks like U.S. military officials knew about abuse in Iraq's Abu Ghraib Prison months before they acknowledged it. According to the "New York Times," internal military documents show an interrogation unit reported the mistreatment of detainees to senior officers back in November of 2003. That's a full two months before officials say they learned of the abuses.

Law makers accuse the CIA of dragging its feet on releasing a report critical of the agency's pre-Iraq war intelligence. The CIA is reviewing the document to prevent any classified information from being released. The Senate report is called a stinging indictment of CIA failures. Some senators see it as one reason Director George Tenet resigned. Other reports are still to come this summer from the House Intelligence Committee and the 9/11 Commission.

Here are some stories making news across America this Monday.

Police in Washington State are trying to figure out why a mother killed her two daughters. Charlene Dorcy led police to an abandoned rock pit, where she said she killed her children. Police recovered the bodies of two girls, ages four and two. Dorcy is now in jail and police are waiting to talk to her husband before committing her -- or commenting, rather, on her mental state.

In southern California, sheriffs' deputies in a helicopter shoot and kill a suspected sniper. The helicopter pilot was wounded during the four and a half hour shootout. Earlier, the suspect had opened fire at a recycling center, injuring one worker and two deputies who had responded to the shots.

Labor problems at the site of the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Boston officials are meeting with the police union in an effort to reach an agreement on a new contract. Union members have been picketing outside the Fleet Center, where the convention will take place next month. Picketers disrupted renovation efforts on the arena. The police have been without a contract for two years.

No one even told the guy to take a jump. But a former president does it anyway, and just for the fun of it.

Pakistan reports striking a major blow against terrorism, arresting al Qaeda suspects and netting a cache of weapons.

And backed by a booming economy, more and more Chinese are choosing four wheels instead of two.

And teaching teenagers about the bible in their own language, whatever that may be.

This is DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:16 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Westerners may have been the target of a massive car bomb attack in central Baghdad this morning. At least six people were killed, among them French and some British -- Britons, rather. More than 50 others were injured in the blast.

Large crowds are expected today for the reopening of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The former president was entombed on the library grounds Saturday. The library has been closed since his death on June 5.

In money news, builders say the rising price of raw materials is driving up construction costs. The largest construction company in the Washington D.C. area says the cost of steel used in their project has nearly doubled since last fall.

In culture, filmmaker Michael Moore says he was just kidding when he said he'd make his next documentary on British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his role in the war in Iraq. Moore has won critical acclaim for a similar movie about President Bush.

In sports, another milestone home run for Barry Bonds. Bonds became just the third player to hit 500 homers as a member of the Giants. His godfather, Willie Mays, also reached that plateau -- Chad.

MYERS: See you.

That was deep. Out of there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

If you're planning a vacation trip, oh, have we got news for you. A Lundberg Survey finds the national average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is now $2.01. That's down $0.064 over the last three weeks, if you're counting, and I'm sure you are. Sampling some locales, drivers in San Francisco are still paying $2.32 a gallon. In Tulsa, it's a buck 75. Here in Atlanta, $1.84; while in Motown, Detroit, it's $1.93 per gallon.

Up, up and away -- a high flying celebration for a former president goes to new heights. He's pretty amazing, isn't he?

Also, the Olympics just a few weeks away and the Olympic flag heads south of the border. We will have the latest on the torch travels ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Quick, look up in the sky. It is a -- let's wait till he jumps. It's a -- it's a flying Bush somewhere over College Station, Texas. George H.W. Bush bailed out 13,000 feet over his presidential library at Texas A&M. The sky dive wrapped up the former president's 80th birthday festivities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This was a real thrill for me and I felt no fear in the hands of these, the most qualified, the best paratroopers we've got in our military. They were absolutely fantastic and for me to get a chance to jump with the Golden Knights, I'll tell you, it's a dream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: A dream I don't think I will share.

Later this morning, Golden Knights Staff Sergeant Brian Schnell will tell CNN's "AMERICAN MORNING" all about his tandem jump with the former President Bush.

Time for more DAYBREAK Eye-Openers right now. Larry Olmsted had some time on his hands, so he spent it at the poker table. Olmsted set a world record by playing poker for a continuous 72 hours at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. He stopped for occasional bathroom breaks, but otherwise he was on his game for three straight days. In case you're wondering, he won about a thousand bucks. A thousand bucks in three days.

Courtney Cox has a brand new friend. "People" magazine reports that Cox has given birth to a girl. She gave birth over the weekend. Cox and her husband David Arquette have been trying to have a baby for several years. It's unknown what the couple has named the baby, but we're guessing it's either Rachel or Phoebe. We just pray it's not Apple.

The crocodile hunter may have again bitten off more than he can chew. Steve Irwin is being investigated by the Australian government for getting too close to whales and penguins while filming a documentary in Antarctica. He could face fines of up to $1 million and two years in jail. Word is, Chad, that someone saw him riding on the back of a whale. I don't know if that's true, but that's the big controversy. He's in big trouble, if he, indeed, was riding on the back of a whale in the Antarctica.

MYERS: Is that right? Because that's illegal?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: You can't get too close to whales.

MYERS: No molesting the whales.

COSTELLO: Exactly. Exactly.

Let's talk about the Olympics and the torch.

MYERS: It is -- it was a great day yesterday for Pele.

COSTELLO: Oh, it really was.

MYERS: Yes. He was in tears.

COSTELLO: Rio de Janeiro, Pele had tears in his eyes, you're right, as he was running with the torch. And we're showing you a map of where Rio de Janeiro is because -- there, we do have Pele video. Oh, look at him. Oh. Oh, that breaks your heart, doesn't it? But he's crying in happiness because of the great honor bestowed on him to carry that Olympic torch.

In case you're wondering where the torch goes next, Mexico City.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: Then on to Los Angeles. And then on to St. Louis.

MYERS: And then? And then?

COSTELLO: Then it comes here to Atlanta.

MYERS: So Carol can pick it up.

COSTELLO: I know, but I'm no Pele.

MYERS: No, but you may have tears in your eyes.

COSTELLO: I will have tears in my eyes.

MYERS: I mean that's pretty amazing, right? That's a great -- a great honor.

COSTELLO: Oh, I'm telling you. As we watch the torch travel across North America, DAYBREAK will be taking a closer look at the torch travels and the Olympics all week long. So you can join us at, of course, 5:00 a.m. Eastern, as usual.

MYERS: Right. We're actually going to do a little bit special on Friday, as well.

COSTELLO: We're going to be live outside of our studios for the first -- this is history making on DAYBREAK.

MYERS: The first live show outside the studio?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MYERS: Yes, we're actually going to be in the park where the Olympic ceremonies were taking place back in the Atlanta Olympics. So, we'll be back there.

COSTELLO: Won't that be exciting?

MYERS: It will be.

COSTELLO: I don't know if we can handle it.

MYERS: There will be no one else out there except us, but it will be exciting.

COSTELLO: It'll be dark, but we will be out there and we will be having a good time. And we'll bring you some interesting stories about the Olympics. So, of course, we hope you'll join us on Friday.

Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.

Teens and religion -- we take a look at the new bible that just might get teenagers interested in that big dude in the Senator Kerry.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHNSON: This should not have happened. This could have been very preventable.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: An American is apparently kidnapped in Saudi Arabia and a son is left to wonder how it could have happened.

Also, security forces have delivered a serious blow to the al Qaeda terrorist network in Afghanistan. We've got all the details for you live from Islamabad.

This is DAYBREAK for Monday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN BEKKERS, PRESIDENT & CEO, GOLD KIST INC.: The key thing to running a successful company would be to surround yourself with successful people, people that are motivated, and to create an environment for individuals who succeed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: John Bekkers is at the top of the pecking order for Gold Kist, one of the nation's largest and only cooperative chicken companies. Fourteen million chickens are produced a week by more than 2,000 farmers and sold under the Gold Kist Farms name and private supermarket labels.

BEKKERS: I'm a strong believer in letting the people perform. People are allowed to take risks. People are allowed to even make mistakes. And we don't stand over them every day telling them what to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: New this morning -- tensions running high in Baghdad after another deadly car bombing.

It is Monday, June 14.

This is DAYBREAK.

Good morning to you.

Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date now.

A car bomb attack this morning devastated an area in the heart of Baghdad's commercial center. Iraqi officials say at least six were killed. More than 55 others were injured.

In Saudi Arabia, the FBI joins authorities in Riyadh in the search for Paul Johnson, an American apparently abducted by Islamic militants. The group also claims responsibility for gunning down another American in Riyadh the day before. In money news, beginning today Internet users will be able to download and watch movies like "Finding Nemo" and others online for a flat monthly subscription fee. RealNetworks and the Star's Encore Group are launching the service as a way to head off privacy.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com