The Saudi authorities arrested 62 people, including three foreigners, who were caught preparing attacks against local dignitaries and officials. All the suspects had joined the Jihad in Syria and Yemen to fight with Al-Qaeda affiliated groups.

Saudi authorities appear to have been overtaken by the Al-Qaeda phenomenon which they themselves created. In response to the will of the United States to regain control of the jihadist movement and to reign it in, the kingdom prohibited its subjects from joining such groups and announced in early March that any of those returning to the country would be incarcerated. However, given the outraged reactions emanating from the families of the jihadists, who were once seen as heroes, the kingdom switched its position: it now bans jihad, but welcomes the return of its prodigal sons. At the same time, the kingdom continues to fund and organize groups under the Al-Qaeda umbrella abroad.

To show that the suspects were not arrested because of their past actions, the kingdom has released 35 of them pending trial.