The Saudi authorities say security forces have shot dead a suspected Islamist militant in a gun battle at a petrol station in the capital, Riyadh. The interior ministry said Ibrahim al-Rayes was listed last week among 26 most wanted terrorism suspects.
Security services said they attempted to arrest him after residents provided information as to his whereabouts.
The authorities have offered a reward of more than $0.25m for information leading to the arrest of any suspects.
Returned fire
A statement by the interior ministry read on state television, said the security forces had shot al-Rayes after he opened fire on them.
The statement said false identification papers, a hand grenade, ammunition and pistols had also been seized.
Witnesses said three other people were also detained in the raid by the security forces. However the security forces have declined to comment on this.
Increased violence
Saudi Arabia has witnessed a surge of Islamist militant violence believed to be linked to al-Qaeda. More than 50 people have been killed by suicide bombings in May and November.
 Security has been stepped up in Riyadh |
In a police raid on a suspected militant hideout last month in Suweidi, south of the capital Riyadh, one militant was shot dead while an unspecified number escaped.
Both the US and British embassies in Saudi Arabia have recently warned of more terrorist attacks.
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