Militants had Western interests in crosshairs

The two foreign terror suspects arrested by Saudi security forces during Ramadan were planning to launch suicide attacks on Western interests in the Kingdom and the region, an informed source has revealed.
“The two suspects had strong links with the terror network that targeted Western interests in Saudi Arabia and the region. They were also in close contact with the terror network in Yemen,” Al-Arabiya Channel said.
Khaled Al-Matrafi, director of the channel’s office in Riyadh, also pointed out that the duo — a Yemeni and a Chadian — was taken in custody from Qassim and Riyadh on July 31.
Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki announced the arrest late Thursday. The US has closed its embassies and consulates in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, citing security threats. The US Embassy and its consulate in Saudi Arabia were expected to remain closed for at least one week.
Al-Turki said the two suspects were exchanging information with terror leaders abroad using Twitter and other social media sites on carrying out imminent attacks.
Asked how the Chadian returned to the Kingdom with a different passport after he was deported, Al-Turki said he was deported before the Kingdom introduced the fingerprinting system.
He did not give details of the terror operations planned by the duo. “We don’t have specific information about the nature of their terror operations, their timings and places. We hope to get such information from the ongoing investigation,” he added.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry have welcomed the Kingdom’s donation of $100 million to combat terror. “This generous contribution from King Abdullah will play a big role in strengthening global peace and stability,” the UN chief said.
Kerry said the king’s donation would strengthen international institutions and global cooperation to combat terrorism. “It will help the United Nations implement its anti-terror programs.”
Meanwhile, senior Yemeni officials said there were at least seven suspected militants from Saudi Arabia among the alleged Al-Qaeda members killed in Yemen in a recent wave of US drone strikes.
The report indicated that Saudis are increasingly crossing the border to carry funds or seek terrorist training. Since July 27, drone attacks in Yemen’s southern and central provinces have killed a total of 34 militants suspected of being Al-Qaeda members, they added.