Saudi Arabia: Heightened security, unrest possible in Al-Awamiya after reports of Shi'a mosque demolition, Dec. 7

Event

Heightened security measures are possible in Al-Awamiya and surrounding areas through mid-December due to the potential for unrest following the alleged destruction of a Shi'a Mosque Dec. 7. Unverified social media reports affiliated with the Kingdom's Shi'a opposition allege authorities are demolishing the Imam Al-Hussain Mosque, where the prominent Shi'a cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr used to deliver sermons. Saudi officials have yet to comment on the claim.

Increased security is likely near government installations and possible protest sites in Al-Qatif Governorate. Authorities may close roads or implement checkpoints, leading to localized transport disruptions. Saudi security forces have been historically quick to resort to live ammunition to disperse protests; additionally, attacks on security forces have been reported during previous instances of unrest.

Context

Al-Nimr was shot and arrested in 2012 after months of anti-government unrest involving Shi'a in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. At the time, he was widely acknowledged to be one of the central figures behind anti-government protests in Eastern Province and neighboring Bahrain. In 2014, authorities sentenced him to death for insurrection, disobeying the Saudi royal family, and encouraging foreign involvement in Saudi affairs. Al-Nimr was among 47 people executed on charges of terrorism and other serious offenses in 2016. His execution sparked a wave of global protests.

Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni, but a sizable Shi'a population resides in Eastern Province and has become increasingly restive due to perceived marginalization by the state. Unrest in Eastern Province has also been a longstanding issue since March 2011, with Al-Qatif and nearby Al-Awamiya being particularly restive flashpoint areas. Shi'a activists have accused the Sunni royal family of politically and economically marginalizing their communities. However, violence has been contained to Al-Qatif, Al-Awamiya, and Safwa, and there is no indication that it will spill over into Al-Khobar, Ad-Dammam, or Dhahran, which have large expatriate populations.

Advice

Leave the vicinity of a protest if it occurs nearby. Allow for extra time to travel in the area; consider alternative routes around potential demonstration sites. Monitor local media for updates on possible protest sites and plan accordingly.