Saudi forces raid Shia-populated city in Qatif, kill civilian

Saudi forces shot dead a youth during a raid on the village al-Awamiyah in Saudi Arabia’s Shia-populated Qatif region.

Saudi forces shot dead a youth during a raid on the village al-Awamiyah in Saudi Arabia’s Shia-populated Qatif region.

Nimr Media Network reported that Saudi forces raided the al-Masoura neighborhood of al-Awamiyah in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and surrounded the entire village for more than three hours.

They reportedly attempted but failed to destroy residential buildings in the village. According to the report, gunshots were later heard, and at least one young man was killed.

The Shia-populated Eastern Province has been the scene of peaceful demonstrations since February 2011. 

Protesters have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich region.