RIYADH: The Interior Minister says Saudi Arabia is on alert for a possible al Qaeda attack next week during hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage that draws millions of worshippers to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Prince Nayef did not mention any specific threat or intelligence on an attack. But when he was asked at a news conference about the possibility of an al Qaeda strike on hajj, he said: ''We don't rule out any possibility of something that disturbs the security'' of the pilgrims.

The hajj begins on Nov. 15 and lasts for several days.

Saudi Arabia gave the West key intelligence on two mail bombs recently intercepted after they were sent on planes from neighboring Yemen. Al Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility. – AP