Reuters: Saudi Arabia has asked Iran to hand over suspected militants plotting against the kingdom’s security, the Saudi interior minister said in remarks published on Saturday. RIYADH, April 7 (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia has asked Iran to hand over suspected militants plotting against the kingdom’s security, the Saudi interior minister said in remarks published on Saturday.
“We have information on … wanted people, they are Saudis and they (Iranians) have them and we reiterate to our brothers in Iran to hand them over to us,” al-Riyadh newspaper quoted Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz as saying.
“We have a list and a formal demand, and we always reiterate to our Iranian brothers that they have to hand over any Saudi or anybody who is targeting the kingdom,” he added.
He did not elaborate. Interior Ministry officials could not be reached for comment.
Iran has extradited a number of Saudi suspects to the kingdom since the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. Some of the suspects have been released after being cleared.
Islamic militants loyal to al Qaeda launched a violent campaign to topple the U.S.-allied Saudi monarchy in 2003, carrying out suicide bomb attacks on foreigners and government installations, including the oil industry.
Tough security measures and a wide publicity campaign helped curb the violence but analysts and diplomats say radical Islamic ideology and anger at Western policy remain strong.
