RYADH — Security forces killed four militants in a clash in Awamiya on Saturday, the Interior Ministry said. The troops raided a militant hideout in Awamiya town, west of Dammam city, and killed the four in an exchange of fire. The dead included a militant who was behind the killing of private Abdulaziz Ahmad Al-Asiri last Sunday, an Interior Ministry spokesman said. A security officer was slightly injured. Citizens have condemned the killing of Al-Asiri. Residents have helped immensely in providing information about the terrorists who were behind the killing of the officer. The spokesman reiterated the ministry's warning against anyone who attempts to disrupt the security of the country, stressing that justice will prevail and terrorists will be killed wherever they hide. The help offered by the people of the region sends a clear message – the terrorists have failed to disrupt the security and unity of the country, the spokesman said, adding that there is no place for traitors and their agents. Earlier this month, the ministry announced the arrest of 135 militants for terrorism offenses. The militants included 26 foreign nationals, among them 16 Syrians and three Yemenis. The detainees belonged to suspect groups and their arrests followed repeated attempts to harm the security and stability of the homeland. Forty of the suspects had gone to zones of conflict, joined extremist groups and trained in the handling of weapons before returning to the Kingdom to destabilize the country. Another 54 were implicated in the financing, recruitment, propaganda and manufacture of explosives... in aid of extremist groups. Seventeen suspects were linked to unrest and armed attacks on security forces in Awamiya.
