Riyadh: Saudi forces have foiled a major terror attack, after Ahmad Qateem Mohammad Al Hidhli, the number 10 on the Interior Ministry’s “most wanted” list was arrested from his hideout in Yanbu near Madinah.
Al Hidhli was nabbed before he was able to carry out a major terror strike. He was captured in a tent shortly before Friday prayers last week, after a tip-off alerted authorities, according to security sources. The ministry has kept Al Hidhli’s capture top secret for five days to facilitate detailed investigation.
“Investigators are studying the details of his plans,” Major General Mansour Al Turki said. The remaining terrorists on the list have been urged to come forth to the authorities and surrender.
“We will deal with each case separately taking into the account the crimes they have committed and ask them to take advantage of a counselling program launched by the ministry to correct their ways and lead a normal life,” he added.
Al Hidhli was born in Makkah on January 31, 1974. Earlier, Al Qaida claimed that Al Hidhli was killed in Afghanistan, in an apparent attempt to hide his true whereabouts. However, security forces’ information proved accurate that he was alive and his name was placed on the “most wanted” list.
