Saudi forces kill suspected militant disguised as woman

RIYADH - Saudi Arabian security forces shot dead a suspected Islamist militant disguised as a woman, after he opened fire at them during a checkpoint inspection, local media said Saturday.

The man, wearing a woman’s face-veil and black clothes, opened fire after security stopped his car Friday evening in the central town of Wadi Al-Dawasir, southwest of the capital Riyadh.

Another man who was in the car was arrested, according to reports.

“We have a strong suspicion it is Al Qaeda,” said Mansour al-Turki, the interior ministry spokesman.

Both men are believed to be Saudi nationals and possibly on official “wanted” lists, al-Turki said.

Authorities are still trying to ascertain the identity of the dead man and were questioning the detained suspect.

Saudi Arabia has moved in recent years to crack down on militant Islamists.

In November, the world’s top oil exporter announced it captured over the previous eight months 149 alleged Al Qaeda militants who were planning attacks in the kingdom.