Saudi Arabia: Tensions continue to rise in Awamiya /update 2

Event

Fighting has intensified in Awamiya over the past week, and  as of Wednesday, August 8, media reports indicate that approximately 12 Saudi Arabian security force members, 23 civilians, and five Shi'a activists have been killed since May. Reports also indicate that approximately 20,000 people have fled or been evacuated.

In a statement on August 8, the Saudi government said that the fight to clear Awamiya is in the final stages and an "attractive district" will be developed by the end of the year. Tensions remain high in Awamiya and the rest of Eastern Province, and further clashes and demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks over allegations of Shi'a discrimination.

Context

Eastern Province is home to numerous Shi'a militants classified by the Saudi government as terrorists. Sporadic clashes between these militants and security forces occur frequently in the province (especially in Qatif and Dammam) and security forces regularly conduct raids in the region.

Clashes have most recently intensified in the town of Awamiya, where security forces have been conducting raids since May in an attempt to hunt down the perpetrators of recent attacks. Local Shi'a activists have accused security forces of firing at random at homes and cars as they confront armed men in the area - charges the Saudi Arabian government denies.

Advice

Individuals in the Eastern Province are advised to avoid any form of gatherings and to monitor the situation. Due to the risk of sporadic outbreaks of violence, the American government prohibits its personnel from traveling to Qatif and surrounding suburbs as well as to Hofuf and surrounding suburbs.