A local imam in the capital called on the youth on Friday to avoid being influenced by extremist ideology while urging the media to also help in safeguarding national interest against extremism.

His call came amid media reports about security alert in the Kingdom and measures to protect some potential infrastructure targets. The imam also referred to the recent terror attack in Sharura that killed four policemen.

Meanwhile, Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said: "It is within the framework of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Interior to maintain security and stability and monitoring the implementation of preventive measures against potential structures that could be targets for terrorist acts.”

Al-Turki was commenting on a news report on the high level of security alert in the Kingdom. He clarified that this MoI move is part of a precautionary measure that the government has taken and does not mean there is evidence of a terrorist plan.

In his sermon, Imam Sheikh Khalaf said at a popular mosques in Dubhat district in Riyadh that youngsters are vulnerable to the influence of extremism due to lack of sound knowledge of their religion.

Underlining the importance of security, the imam said it is the pillar of any community; while preventive security is the priority of any government to secure the public safety, while scholars guide the youth in understanding their own religion.

He said the negative consequence of an act of terrorism is damaging to Islam and its followers.

“Who on earth would allow such an act as a passport to paradise? How dare you kill innocent people who could be your brother and sister because you are influenced by this deviant group?” Al-Khalaf asked, saying it could also be a publicity stunt.

Addressing the media, the imam said they should work to protect the best interest of the country and highlight what is good for the public with special reference to its constitution guided by the Shariah.

The Saudi government media should adopt the same approach in the interest of society as a whole by means of education and other means to unify their ranks, eliminate the root cause of disunity and other factors that compromise the security of the state, mar relations with the public, offend human dignity and curtail human rights.

The media should play a constructive role in disseminating information, strengthening people’s loyalty to the state and stability in society through Islam, the unifying force, the imam said.

“Our country is different from other countries because of its religious status in the Arab and Muslim world. The media should therefore remain committed to the principles of objectivity and clean ethics that would help in maintaining peace and security, promoting stability and confidence,”he said.

Al-Khalaf said Saudi Arabia enjoys a high standard of security because of its belief and constitution, "so we have to maintain this prosperity by fulfilling our national duties."