Riyadh: 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 on June 16.

The shootout took place late on June 15 as security forces raided another hideout on the edge of the city where the Prophet Mohammed 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 kilometres south of Mecca.

'Al-Jazeera', published in the Capital Riyadh, said at least 30 "terrorists" were hiding in the area and reported that three were arrested and the rest fled.

The bust was the second raid in Mecca after five men preparing an "imminent” attack were shot dead on June 14 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 June 14.

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.

Agencies