Seven security detainees escape Saudi jail-SPA

RIYADH, July 8 (Reuters) Six Saudis and a Yemeni held in Saudi Arabia on security charges have escaped a detention centre in the capital Riyadh, state news agency SPA said today.

''Seven detainees at Malaz prison in Riyadh, held in connection with security cases, were able to leave the detention centre,'' SPA quoted an Interior Ministry statement as saying.

It did not say when they escaped.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said the seven were linked to al Qaeda. Saudi officials could not be immediately be reached for comment.

Saudi Arabia has been battling a campaign of violence by al Qaeda militants bent on toppling the pro-U S monarchy and expelling foreigners from the birthplace of Islam.

''Since they violated regulations, their cases will be withdrawn from the investigating committee and public prosecution and their trial procedures will be halted,'' the Interior Ministry said. ''If they do not return to the detention centre, they will not be eligible for the amnesty granted by the king and will become wanted by security forces.'' Last month King Abdullah renewed an amnesty he first offered two years ago to repentant Islamist militants.

Last month the kingdom said security forces had arrested 42 suspected Islamist militants in raids across the country over the past few months.

REUTERS KD HT1335