Terror Plot Unearthed, 172 Militants Arrested in Saudi Arabia

The news created a shock wave and sensation among the world community. At least 172 terrorists were arrested in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Interior Ministry. The militants allegedly belong to seven terrorist cells. The terror suspects include both Saudi nationals as well as foreign residents.

Some of the militants were planning to design a 9/11 kind attack by utilizing aircraft to target oil fields and other important installations. They also took pilot training. According to American sources most of the militants belong to Al Qaeda and were planning to assassinate Pakistan's President, Pervez Musharraf.

The militants had buried large quantity of weapons in the desert. The arms included AK-47 rifles and ammunition, other rifles and handguns, and bricks of plastic explosives, all wrapped in plastic sheeting. The police seized the weapons and more than 120 million riyals (US$32.4 million).