WORLD BRIEFING / MAURITANIA

Gunmen shot and killed a U.S. aid worker in the capital of Mauritania, an ally of the West in its fight against growing Al Qaeda activity in northwest Africa and the Sahara Desert.

A top official from the military government said the attack and the threat of terrorism showed how important it was to ensure the army was not sidelined as Mauritania prepares for elections to restore democracy next month under pressure from donors.

The American, the director of an aid group, was shot in the head in the center of the usually quiet city of Nouakchott.

A police source said two gunmen had opened fire before fleeing the scene, and that they were being sought by police. There was no claim of responsibility, and police gave no indication as to the motive.