RIYADH, Aug 18: Security forces killed the leader of Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia in a gunbattle in Madina just hours before a visit by newly crowned King Abdullah. An interior ministry statement said soldiers had also killed three other militants and arrested at least 10 in a series of raids in the capital Riyadh and in Madina.

Saleh al Awfi, believed to have taken over leadership of Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia last year, was one of a few remaining on a list of most wanted militants. His death would deal a further blow to militants loyal to Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who analysts say have been weakened by a two-year government campaign against the Al Qaeda network in Saudi Arabia.

State television said Saleh al Awfi and another militant had been hiding in a residential area in Madina near the Masjid-i-Nabavi (PBUH), which King Abdullah visited for prayers.

Earlier, security forces killed two wanted gunmen and captured another during a raid on a house in a northern district of Riyadh.

Saudi analyst Fares Houzam said Saudi militants had been dealt a big blow.

“Awfi was Al Qaeda’s main leader in the west of the country,” he said. —Reuters