Riyadh: Officials, security analysts and researchers commended the efforts of Saudi security forces and their recent foiling of major attacks targeting government, security officials and journalists.
The Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Friday that during the past eight months its security forces have arrested 149 people of different nationalities, mostly Saudis, who belong to 19 cells linked to Al Qaida.
It also noted that it has confiscated 2.24 million Saudi riyals collected by the group with an aim of spreading its ideology.
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah said the foiling of these attacks indicates the competence and capability of Saudi security forces in its determination to uproot terrorism.
In press statements, Al Attiyah underscored the GCC state's firm stance which condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He underlined the importance of intensifying regional and international cooperation to eliminate terrorism.
Secret locations
Spokesman of the Saudi Interior Ministry Major General Mansour Al Turki said that some of the arrested suspects entered the Kingdom on the pretext of performing Haj or Umrah and then went to secret locations for training.
Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh on Friday, Al Turki said that documents and weapons meant to be used for carrying out plots were seized.
He added that Interpol was asked to help in the arrest of those connected with plots and residing outside Saudi Arabia.
The spokesman disclosed that investigations are under way to trace the source of funding those militants.
Key targets
Al Turki noted that the arrested group was not planning to attack oil facilities, but planned to attack government, civil and military buildings as well as assassinate security men, officials, journalists and foreigners.
Eisa Al Gaith, a Saudi judge, said the foiling of these attacks reflects the success of security forces in protecting the country. He noted that Prince Mohammad Bin Nayef Centre for Counselling and Care has proven its ability in correcting deviant ideologies.
