Saudi Arabia Blames Iran For Shiite riots
At least 14 people, including 11 policemen, were wounded when riots erupted in a Shiite-majority village in eastern Saudi Arabia, state news agency SPA reported Tuesday, hinting Iran is behind the incident.
“A group of outlaws and rioters on motorbikes gathered” at a roundabout in the village of Al-Awamia in Al-Qatif province on Monday “carrying petrol bombs,” SPA said.
The group carried out acts causing “insecurity with incitement from a foreign country that aims to undermine the nation’s security and stability,” SPA quoted a ministry spokesman as saying.
“Security forces managed to deal with those traitors at the spot and after they were dispersed, machinegun fire erupted from a nearby neighbourhood.”
It said nine policemen were hurt in the gunfire and two hurt by petrol bombs.
Three civilians were also injured, it added.
The Kingdom described the unrest as a “blatant interference in its sovereignty.” “Those must clearly state whether their loyalty is to God then to their country, or to this country and its (religious) authority,” it added, apparently referring to Shiite-ruled Iran.
