Saudi Arabia Detains Suspected Spies
Saudi policemen monitor screens connected to cameras set up at places around the holy city of Mecca, on the second day of Eid al-Adha, October 27, 2012. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha to mark the end of the Haj by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God’s command. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (SAUDI ARABIA – Tags: RELIGION CRIME LAW) – RTR39NPE
Saudi Arabia says it has uncovered a spy network.
The Saudis are known for being extra sensitive about outside interferences.
But this alleged spy cell is different.
Of the 18 people arrested, one is an Iranian citizen.
Another is Lebanese. The rest are members of Saudi Arabia’s Shiite minority.
And Thursday, a spokesman for the Saudi Interior Ministry said they were all working for Iran.
Saudi journalist Ahmed al Omran is covering the intrigue on his blog, Riyadh Bureau.
He says the decision to point a finger at Iran was unexpected.
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