RIYADH, Aug 12: Four policemen and a militant were killed in clashes in Riyadh on Tuesday after Saudi security forces raided a militant stronghold in the city.

Saudi Arabia has launched a series of raids in recent months on militants suspected of links to the Al Qaeda network since suicide bombings killed 35 people, including nine Americans, in Riyadh in May.

“The shooting has now eased off,” one security source said more than five hours after the clashes started.

A resident reached by phone in the southern neighbourhood of the Saudi capital said at least five houses were targeted in the raid, in which security forces were backed by helicopter gunships.

“Security forces are using helicopters,” said the resident about the fighting, in which the sound of machineguns and exploding grenades echoed through the area.

“The operation is very big. The whole area is surrounded by security police. It is a big area,” he added.

Residents saw police drag out and arrest suspected militants.

“I saw one man break free from police and run away after kicking off his shoes. Police were chasing him,” a resident said.

Ambulances sped from several houses in the district, which is known as a militant stronghold.

Police cordoned off the area, preventing passers-by and reporters from approaching.

Facing US criticism of laxity in tackling Al Qaeda, Saudi Arabia has cracked down harder on militants after the May bombings which targeted compounds housing foreigners.

Washington and Riyadh blame the bombings on Al Qaeda.

Police have arrested more than 200 suspects since then.

Last month, Interior Minister Prince Nayef said Saudi Arabia would eliminate militants spreading terror just as one would remove a “sick body organ”.

Western sources say the authorities are providing unprecedented security cooperation in tackling Saudi-based Al Qaeda elements and those who helped finance the group, blamed for the Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.—Reuters