RIYADH, June 7: Saudi Arabia has arrested 11 of its nationals in two days on suspicion of their involvement in extremist activities, the Saudi interior ministry announced on Thursday.

A source at the ministry said the authorities had been following the activities of the detainees for some time. “It has been proved that one of those arrested was linked to a failed attack on Baqiq oil refinery on February 24, 2006,” he added.

The official news agency said the men, all Saudi nationals, had been involved in inciting and financing the activities of what it called a deviant group. Suspects’ assets have been confiscated.

“The interior ministry announces this to affirm its determination to confront those belonging to the group,” the statement said.