Riyadh, June 16: Security forces wounded four suspected Saudi terrorists in a shootout in Mecca, the second armed clash in the Muslim holy city in 24 hours, a newspaper reported today. The shootout took place late yesterday as security forces raided another hideout on the edge of the city where the Prophet Mohamed was born.

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 kilometers south of Mecca.

Al-Jazirah, published in the capital 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 Mecca 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 Mecca's Khaldiya district, the statement said.

Bureau Report