Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat-Saudi security forces shot dead two alleged militants suspected of killing a police chief in the holy city of Mecca, according to a statement by the interior ministry said.

They are accused of killing the head of a police investigations department Major Mubarak al Sawat, last Saturday, a representative for the ministry said.

According to eyewitnesses, the two-suspected terrorists were spotted 30 kilometers outside of Jeddah on their way to the holy city of Mecca in a new white Nissan Jeep.

One of the suspects was dressed in traditional Omani clothing while the other was dressed in olive colored sportswear, both were said to have thick long Beards.

The suspects were followed by security forces and a fire fight broke out leaving one of the suspects injured.

The two suspects later stole a Toyota from an innocent bystander and opted for refugee in a building which was surrounded by security forces, leading to an exchange of fire and subsequently resulted in their deaths. The operation lasted approximately 18 hours

During the clash, three security men were injured, one of them was seriously injured after being shot in the head and is now in hospital in intensive care.

According to exclusive information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat the two suspected militants were Monsur Al-Tibeythi 23, and kamal Foudah 45. Al-Tibeythi was a college student who studied English before changing majors to study Shariah (Islamic law). He was a resident of the town of Taif south of Mecca. On the other hand Foudah was a member of a known Al-Qaeda cell, which was pursued by security forces, last august in Mecca.