Saudi 'to sue jihadist scholars'

Violence in Iraq continues unabated

The father of a young Saudi man killed in Iraq is reported to be planning to sue 26 Saudi religious scholars who called for jihad against US forces.

Al-Medina newspaper says Majid Shabib al-Otaibi blames the scholars for the death of his 26-year-old son, Muqrin.

The preachers corrupted the minds of young men, Mr Otaibi said.

Many Saudis are reported to have been captured or killed in Iraq by militants opposed to the Saudi rulers' alliance with the US.

Al-Medina said Mr Otaibi, believing his 26-year-old son was going on a pilgrimage to Mecca, had given him money to help him on his journey. It did not say when his son was killed.

Saudi Arabia has been battling a wave of violence by Islamist militants at home as well.

On Saturday, Crown Prince Abdullah said Saudi security forces had arrested a member of "a deviant minority who admitted wanting to carry out an act in a neighbouring country". He did not elaborate.

Recent militant attacks have left more than 90 people dead in the desert kingdom. Hundreds of others were injured; many of the victims were foreigners.