Al-Qaeda's chief al-Zawahiri urges Saudis to topple ruling family

DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri on Thursday urged Saudis to rise up against the kingdom's ruling Al-Saud family, suggesting they draw inspiration from uprisings that have deposed leaders across the Middle East and Africa in the past year and a half.

Speaking in a video clip that was posted on an Islamist website, Zawahri, who took over the leadership of al Qaeda after Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan just over a year ago, said:

"Muslim brothers in the land of the holy mosques, a year has passed since the uprising of the Arab people against their rulers...my dear brothers why do you still accept to be ruled by the Al Saud family. They are one of the worst corrupt governments who steal your money," he said.

"Why don't you rise up (against the Al Sauds) as you are the companions of the Prophet," he added.

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