ISIS-radicalized twin brothers over three years

RIYADH: In the new investigation in the case that shook Saudi Arabia in which twins Saleh and Khaled, killed their mother after she tried to stop them from joining Islamic State in Syria were radicalized for at least three years.

Saleh and Khaled were prevented from completing their high school studies. According to sources, the twins were isolated and spent most of their time at home. While they were assisting their mother in preparing food and other tasks, they were also being lured toward extremism and confronted anyone who challenged such ideas.

The killings compounded fears of radicalization in the kingdom. The Interior Ministry at the time confirmed in a press statement that the attack by the twins on their family members was a result of their acceptance of extremist ideologies.

Khalid and Saleh Al Areeni, 20-year-old twins from Riyadh, attacked their family home on June 24. Police officials said that the brothers first stabbed to death their mother with a cleaver and sharp knives. They then went after their father and brother, stabbing the two multiple times. After carrying out the attack and believing that all of their family members were dead, the twins fled the scene using a stolen car.

The Interior Ministry at the time confirmed in a press statement that the attack by the twins on their family members was a result of their acceptance of extremist ideologies.