Al Qaeda Threatens Over Saudi Mass Executions

Al Qaeda's wing in Yemen has vowed to attack Saudi Arabia over the kingdom's plans to kill some of its members in a mass execution.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) pledged on Twitter to carry out attacks in response to the executions.

"We swear to God, our blood will be shed before the blood of our captives, and their pure blood will not dry before we shed the blood of the soldiers of al Saud," the group said in a post on Tuesday.

"We will not enjoy life unless we get the necks of the al Saud rulers."

Over the past year, a new wave of terror attacks, mostly claimed by Islamic State, have killed dozens in bombings and shootings in the kingdom.

Last week it was reported that Saudi authorities were planning to execute more than 50 people convicted of "terrorist crimes".

Some of those facing execution were affiliated with al Qaeda, it was reported.

Others were from the eastern town of Awamiya, where the government has suppressed Shi'ite demonstrations for equal rights.

One of the prisoners awaiting execution is Ali Mohammed al Nimr, who was reportedly sentenced to death for his part in anti-government protests, including breaking allegiance to the king and rioting.

He was 17 when he was arrested in 2012.

His case has drawn international condemnation - including from France as well as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - because of his age, as well as allegations he was tortured and did not have a fair trial.

More than 1,000 Shi'ites protested against the planned executions at a mosque in Awamiya.

Saudi Arabia has already executed over 150 people this year, the most in 20 years, according to Amnesty International.

Many of those killed have been foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes.

In August, two men from Chad were executed in Mecca for their part in an al Qaeda terror attack a decade ago, officials said.

Executions are carried out in public, mostly by beheading with a sword.