‘Wanted individuals’ killed, arrested in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH (AA) - Several "wanted individuals" were killed in a shootout with security forces in Saudi Arabia’s eastern Qatif province, Saudi authorities said Tuesday.

"Security forces conducted a preemptive operation in Qatif, which led to the killing of several wanted individuals and the arrest of a number of others," Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya satellite TV channel reported.

Citing "well-informed sources”, the broadcaster added that the slain and arrested individuals had “posed a threat to the kingdom's security”.

Al-Arabiya provided no further details, while the Saudi authorities have yet to officially comment on the incident.

Saudi Arabia’s Shia-majority Qatif province has been shaken in recent years by a number of pro-reform demonstrations.