RIYADH, Jan. 2-- Saudi Interior Ministry announced on Saturday the execution of 47 people on terrorist charges, including the prominent Shi'ite Muslim cleric Nimr al-Nimrits, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Most of the executed were Saudis and involved in a series of attacks carried out by al-Qaida from 2003-06.

The cleric, Nimr al-Nimr, was a driving force behind anti-government protests that broke out in 2011.

The ministry said it will continue with its approach to fight any threat to the nation and the public.

Saudi Arabia has been badly affected by terrorists and attacks, especially those who have been forming secret cells as part of the Islamic State (IS) militant group.