ABU DHABI [MENL] -- Saudi Arabia was said to have dealt a harsh blow to Al Qaida.

Saudi security sources said a string of arrests have crippled the Al Qaida network leadership. The sources said security forces have captured or killed leading members of the network.

Last week, Saleh Al Awfi, regarded as the interim leader of Al Qaida, was killed in a shootout with police in Riyad. Later, three aides to Al Awfi were captured in Medina.

Al Awfi, a former prison guard, was killed on Aug. 18 north of Riyad. Al Awfi was on a 2003 Interior Ministry list of 26 most-wanted insurgency suspects.