QATIF, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- One person was killed during apparent clashes between Saudi forces and Shiite demonstrators in the country's Eastern province, state media reported.
The official Saudi Press Agency reports that security officials in the region "came under heavy fire from masked men." The clashes, the news agency said, left four "rioters" injured, including one who died before reaching a hospital.
An activist told The Wall Street Journal on condition of anonymity that a 21-year-old man died after being shot in the chest. The Journal notes its review of video allegedly from the incident indicated armored vehicles in the city of Qatif, though it didn't appear the demonstrators were carrying weapons. Sounds similar to gunfire were heard in the background.
The official Kuwait News Agency reports that Eastern province was the scene of "frequent riots and violence." It said there were casualties reported during the recent clashes, but declined to release official figures.
The report from Kuwait adds that Saudi authorities have arrested more than two dozen people connected to the unrest in the region.
The Saudi report added that security forces will "deal firmly" with cases where the safety of citizens is in jeopardy.
