RIYADH, 27 November 2003 — Security forces have launched a manhunt for militants who escaped the police dragnet following a shootout on Tuesday at a terrorist hideout in the capital during which two suspects died. The authorities have intensified efforts to arrest the fugitives, who some say could have carried out terrorist attacks far greater in impact and intensity than the one on a compound in Riyadh on Nov. 8, which killed 18 people.