Saudi charges 991 suspects over terrorist attacks

Riyadh: Saudi authorities have charged 991 suspected militants for participating in terrorist attacks carried out over the last five years, the interior minister said early on Tuesday.

"In the past few years, the kingdom has been the target of an organised terrorist campaign linked to networks of strife and sedition overseas," said Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz in his statement carried by the Saudi news agency.

"This campaign targeted the way of life, economy and principles of Saudi society and sought to create chaos," he added. "It has direct links to a deviant group that adopts the (mindset) of Al Qaida."

The militants, he said, have been responsible for over 30 attacks in the kingdom since May 2003, killing 164 people, including 74 security officials. They also have wounded 657 security officials and 439 civilians.

Another 160 attacks were foiled.

Nayef said the militants' actions have affected the reputation of Islam and charity work, "attaching the label of terrorism to Islam and Muslims."

Thousands of explosives, missiles, automatic weapons, pistols, rifles, as well as cyanide, have been seized.