March 3 (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia arrested 56 suspected members of al-Qaeda who were planning terrorist attacks in the kingdom, the Interior Ministry said in a report carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The detainees received instructions from senior al-Qaeda leaders, including deputy commander Ayman Al-Zawahiri, to plan attacks and gather funds to support the terrorist network, SPA said today, citing an unidentified ministry official.

The plans were at an ``advanced stage' when Saudi Arabian security forces made the arrests, according to the ministry.

The 56 suspects are from several countries and include the cell's leader, the ministry said without giving the person's identity.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tarek Al-Issawi in Dubai at talissawi@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: March 3, 2008 09:31 EST