Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the detecting and thwarting of a terrorist plot by Daesh against two buildings belonging to the Ministry of Defence in Riyadh by suicide bombers with explosive belts.

The Saudi Press Agency, SPA, quoted an official source at the State Security Presidency as saying, "Following up on terrorist threats targeting the Kingdom's security and capabilities and the tracking of those responsible, the presidency was able to carry out a qualitative operation in detecting and thwarting a terrorist plot by the Daesh terrorist organisation."

The source added that the security operation resulted in the arrest of the two suicide bombers, Ahmed Yaser al-Kaldi and Ammar Ali Muhammad, before they reached the target location, neutralising their danger. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were of Yemeni nationality and their names differed from those recorded on the identity cards seized in their possession.

"At the same time, two Saudi nationals were also arrested, and their relationship with the above-mentioned suicide bombers and their intentions are being investigated," added SPA.

The source also was quoted as announcing the seizure of two explosive belts, each weighing 7 kg, and nine homemade grenades, firearms and non-firearm weapons and the seizure of a rest house in the Al-Rimal neighborhood of Riyadh. It was used as a hiding-place for the suicide bombers and for training on using explosive belts.