Saudi Arabia: Security forces kill three militants in Qatif Sep. 27

Event

On the evening (local time) of Thursday, September 27, Saudi security forces killed three suspected militants in Qatif (Eastern Province). The militants were reportedly Saudi nationals allegedly involved in the organization of terror attacks. Further security operations are possible in the area in the near-term.

Context

Saudi security forces have conducted numerous security operations in Eastern Province in the past months, mostly against Shi'a militants classified by the Saudi government as terrorist organizations. Sporadic clashes between these militants and security forces occur frequently in the province (especially in Qatif and Dammam). The Islamic State (IS) has also previously launched attacks on Shi'a communities in Qatif.

Generally speaking, sociopolitical tensions are high in the province, which is mostly populated by Shi'a Muslims, whereas the rest in the rest of the country the majority of the population is Sunni. Since 2011, Saudi Arabia's Shi'a Muslims have staged numerous demonstrations against what they see as the systematic economic marginalization of their community by the central government.

Advice

Individuals in Eastern Province are advised to monitor the situation. More generally, given the prevailing terrorist risk in Saudi Arabia, those present in the country are advised to exercise caution at all times, avoid public places lacking adequate security measures or locations deemed particularly likely to be targeted in the event of an attack (e.g. official buildings, military zones, etc.), and report all suspicious objects or behavior to authorities.