The ministry said that numerous suspects belonged to “terrorist cells” connected to ISIS.
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Among the arrestees were Yemenis, Egyptians, Jordanians, Algerians, Nigerians and Chadians, the report said.
The announcement came a day after an Islamic State attack in a crowded marketplace in Iraq’s eastern Diyala province killed 115 people.
The news of the raids comes only days after a vehicle bomb wounded two security officials near the highest security prison in Saudi Arabia, an attack for which IS has claimed responsibility.
Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours previous year joined a US-led military coalition bombing IS in Syria, raising concerns about possible retaliation in the kingdom. He is a Saudi citizen, believed to be the coordinator between IS leaders outside the kingdom and those within. They said those detained were plotting schemes “aimed at inciting sectarian strife and chaos” between Saudi Sunnis and Shiites.
It has expanded operations in the region, also claiming an unprecedented attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait and several attacks in Yemen. At least 86 people were injured in the attack.
The suspects are accused of attacking a mosque in Qudayh in Massachusetts, killing 21 people, and a Damman mosque the following week, killing three. Iraqi forces and Kurdish fighters have since retaken those areas, but clashes between the militants and security forces continue.
The projectiles used in Syria released a chemical consciousness and temporary localised paralysis, while those in Iraq caused headaches, nausea and light burns to the skin.
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Those arrested planned operations, prepared suicide bombers, surveyed attack sites and manufactured explosive belts, SPA said.
