June 17, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 16, 1424

RIYADH, June 16: Security forces wounded four suspected Saudi terrorists in a shootout in the holy city of Makkah, the second armed clash in 24 hours, a newspaper reported on Monday.

The shootout took place on Sunday as security forces raided another hideout on the edge of the city.

All four men were arrested while several others were believed to have escaped, the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat reported.

The Saudi-owned paper said several suspected militants of various nationalities were hiding in Shumaisi district, 35 kilometres south of Makkah.

Al-Jazirah, published in Riyadh, said at least 30 “terrorists” were hiding in the area and reported that one of the men had been killed, three arrested and the rest fled.

The bust was the second raid in Makkah after five men preparing an imminent attack were shot dead on Saturday night, and the third clash between Saudi security forces and suspected terrorists since May 31.

The interior ministry said two security officers were also killed in the gunfight on Saturday night. Several suspects, including two from Chad, an Egyptian and a Saudi, were arrested, the ministry added.

Five security men and four citizens were also wounded in the shootout that started when Saudi police raided an apartment building in Makkah’s Khaldiya district, the statement said.—AFP