Saudi Arabia has detained two senior members of the royal family - Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, the younger brother of Saudi King, Mohammed bin Nayef, the king's nephews, according to reports citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

The Wall Street Journal reported the detentions of the two royals on Friday and said they related to an alleged coup attempt. Bloomberg also reported the detentions late on Friday. There was no immediate comment by Saudi authorities.

Nawaf bin Nayef, Prince Mohamed's younger brother, was also detained, according to the New York Times.

Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal, commenting from Doha, said the detentions were of "huge" significance.

"We are talking about two of the most senior members of the Saudi royal family," he said.

"What's prompted it is very difficult to ascertain. But these are two figures who have been under house arrest. They haven't been able to move freely for a very long time. The idea that they were trying to hatch some sort of coup is very far-fetched and difficult to see when considering the restraints they were under."

Prince Ahmed has largely kept a low profile since returning to Riyadh in October 2018 after two and a half months abroad. During the trip, he appeared to criticise the Saudi leadership while responding to protesters outside a London residence.

Mohammed bin Nayef's movements have reportedly been restricted and monitored.

SOURCE: THEPENINSULAQATAR