Saudi troops battle 'Islamic State cell' in Mecca

An operation to break up a suspected Islamic State group cell has left at least one dead in Mecca as clashes continue to rock the holy city.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

05 May, 2016

At least one militant died in the clashes with Saudi security forces [File photo: AFP]

A gunfight erupted between Saudi security forces and an alleged Islamic State group cell in the suburbs of the holy city of Mecca on Thursday morning.

The operation to break up the cell left at least one dead, and other members of the notorious group reportedly cornered by security forces.

Sounds of gunfire echoed around the residential area as reports emerged suggesting the suspected IS militants - dubbed terrorists by state media - allegedly used bombs against the security forces.

Emergency aircraft hovered over the city as the operation unfolded.

Locals confirmed the news via Twitter using an Arabic trend translated as #Blockading_IS_in_Mecca #محاصره_دواعش_في_مكه.

Twitter Post