Saudi Security Forces Uncover ISIL Extremist Cell, Two Militants Killed

The Saudi Interior Ministry announced Monday it has intercepted an ISIS cell during four simultaneous operations in the Saudi capital Riyadh and the eastern city of Dammam, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Monday.

The statement said one of the suspects had previously been imprisoned for three years after being repatriated from Iraq, though it did not specify if his imprisonment was for links to militant groups there.

In Dammam, a wanted man was killed after he opened fire at security personnel, the ministry said, adding that two people were arrested.

“This cell planned to carry out an imminent terrorist operation that had reached late stages of execution”, the ministry said, without disclosing a target.

Islamic State has called on supporters to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia and string of deadly attacks by its followers has fuelled concerns about a growing threat of militancy in the world’s top oil exporter.

The Interior Ministry said those targeted in the raid belonged to an affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group linked to an attack in Abha, 560 kilometers (350 miles) south of Mecca.

In neighboring Kuwait, a Saudi suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque in July, killing 26 people.