THOUSANDS of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the Hajj tripped over luggage yesterday, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed.

Thousands of Muslim pilgrims rushing to complete a symbolic stoning ritual during the hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, tripped over baggage today, causing a crush in which at least 345 people were killed and hundreds injured, despite Saudi attempts to prevent stampedes that have plagued the annual event.

Saudi security forces battled suspected al-Qaida militants across the kingdom today, killing four wanted extremists in the capital and clashing with armed men in the holy city of Medina.

Saudi security forces today ambushed a residential area in the capital Riyadh, suspected of being a hideout for one or more wanted militants.

IN A bold attack yesterday Islamic militants threw explosives at the gate of the heavily guarded US consulate in Jiddah, then forced their way into the building and held civilians at gunpoint during which eight people were killed in the three-hour gun battle.

Saudi security forces have arrested four suspected militants in operations in Riyadh and a village outside the capital, an Interior Ministry spokesman said today.

Saudi police arrested a militant after an overnight car chase and shootout in the streets of Riyadh, an Interior Ministry spokesman said today.