Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador to Libya and will soon ask Libya to remove its ambassador in Riyadh due to the alleged Libyan involvement in an attempt to assassinate Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. Libya has denied any involvement in the plot.

Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise since March when Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi criticized the Saudis for hosting American troops on its soil at an Arab summit.

The Saudis said this was a limited action and was not directed against the Libyan people. 'The kingdom wants to confirm that it limited itself to these procedures and has not taken further steps despite the atrociousness of what had happened,' Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said. 'This is because we appreciate the brotherly Libyan people, especially since haj (pilgrimage) is near and we don't want any obstacles to impede Libyan pilgrims,' he added.

Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, at least once in their lifetime. Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in the Muslim religion, are located in Saudi Arabia and the influx of pilgrims is lucrative for the Saudis.

The alleged plot against the Saudi Crown Prince was revealed in a trial in the U.S. months ago. It is not clear why the Saudis waited until now to withdraw their ambassador.