Militants kill policeman in Mecca clashes

Islamic militants attacked a security checkpoint in the holy city of Mecca today, killing one policeman and sparking clashes.

A group of militants, apparently seeking to enter Mecca, opened fire on the checkpoint, five miles from the mosque surrounding the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site.

In the gun battle that ensued, one policeman was killed, several wounded, and one of the militants was wounded and captured, he said.

Some of the militants fled into a nearby building, and security forces poured into the area, he said.

Witnesses said militants and security forces exchanged fire behind the General Traffic Administration building.

The attack came about two hours after polls closed in Mecca, where voters were participating in the third and final round of nationwide municipal elections.