The officials told US News and World report magazine that bin Laden -- who has sworn to overthrow King Fahd and his pro-US regime -- probably receives the money from resentful members of the extended Saudi royal family.

Even though the thousands of Saudi princes and princesses share relatives, the family has a history of infighting: In 1975, for example, it was a prince that murdered then King Faisal.

The magazine reports in its October 12 issue that bin Laden has already exhausted his own considerable fortune, originally believed to be around $300 million, and now depends on donations from supporters and protection money to finance his operations.

At mid-year two representatives of wealthy Saudis travelled to Afghanistan to visit bin Laden and paid him not to carry out attacks in Saudi Arabia, themagazine reported, quoting US intelligence sources.

Osama bin Laden is allegedly America's enemy no. 1 and efforts on by the Central Intelligence Agency to gain vital information as to the movements of the notorious guerrilla leader.