IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Saudi Arabia Says It Foiled Attack on U.S. Embassy, Arrested ISIS Supporters

Saudi authorities said Tuesday they have arrested a total of 93 people with ties to the ISIS, foiling their plans to carry out terrorist attacks which included a strike on the U.S. Embassy
Image-US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.US Department of State / US Department of State
/ Source: NBC News

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia said Tuesday it has arrested a total of 93 people with ties to the ISIS in recent months, foiling their plans to carry out multiple terrorist attacks which included a strike on the U.S. embassy.

Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour al-Turki said the arrests include a cell of 65 people arrested in March who were involved in a plan that included targeting residential compounds, prisons and security forces. Authorities also disrupted a plot for a suicide car bomber to attack the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh after receiving information about the plan in mid-March, he said.

A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh had no immediate comment on the disclosure.

The timing of the alleged suicide attack, however, matches with a decision by U.S. officials to halt all consular services starting March 15 at the embassy and diplomatic missions in Jiddah and Dhahran over security fears. The missions resumed those services a week later, though the embassy urged Americans in the kingdom to take extra precautions when travelling throughout the country.

Saudi Arabia is part of the U.S.-led coalition bombing ISIS in Iraq and Syria. ISIS has called on its supporters to launch attacks inside Saudi Arabia.

IN-DEPTH

— The Associated Press