Saudi gunfight kills five

13 August 2003
Four Saudi Arabian police and one suspected Islamic militant died during a five-hour long gunfight in Riyadh on 12 August. The battle, which took place in Al-Suwaidi residential district of the capital, happened after about five houses were targeted in raids by police. The security forces arrested seven people on suspicion of having links to Al-Qaeda, said the interior ministry.

Witnesses described the operation, which started on the night of 11 August with the evacuation of neighbours, as 'very big'. Police cordoned off areas and brought in helicopter support.

The militants put up strong resistance, reported Doha-based satellite channel Al-Jazeera.

Saudi police and security forces are currently trying to sweep the country in an attempt to curb Islamist activity. About 200 suspected militants have been detained since operations began after the 12 May compound bombings in Riyadh (MEED 12:8:03).

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