The Saudi government is vowing to continue its fight against terrorism, following the announcement of a recent crackdown on suspected terror cells.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayif Bin ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz said the kingdom was not done with what he called “deviants.”
“But efforts will continue,” he said of the campaign to root out Al-Qa’ida operatives, according to the Saudi daily Arab News.
Security forces arrested 172 terror suspects belonging to seven cells throughout the kingdom, the ministry said on Friday.
Officials said they foiled a plot by Al-Qa’ida-linked groups to attack oil facilities, military bases and public figures, including government officials and writers. Some of the 172 people arrested had trained to use aircraft for suicide attacks, the Interior Ministry said.
Most of those arrested were Saudis. Others included foreign nationals from Yemen, Nigeria and other countries, the ministry added.
Police also seized weapons, computers and large amounts of cash.
Authorities are urging anyone with links to terror cells to turn themselves in to the authorities and provide information.
The Saudi kingdom has been tackling terrorism against locals and foreigners since May 2003, when suspected Al-Qa’ida terrorist hit three compounds, killing 35 people, many of them Westerners.
Terror attacks and counter operations have killed nearly 300 security personnel, armed people and Saudi and foreign civilians. Economic interests have also become targets.
Terrorists want to undermine the monarchy – which is allied with the United States – and drive out foreigners.