RIYADH — Security agencies were carrying out combing operations in Al-Awamiyah in the Eastern Province on Monday where an exchange of gunfire with suspected terrorists resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to three security men, a citizen and an expat on Sunday.
“An exchange of fire led to the injury of Corporal Majid Bin Turki Al-Qahtani, and his death after being taken to hospital.
“Three security men, a citizen, and a resident were injured in the attack,” security spokesman of Ministry of Interior said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The shootout erupted when police forces launched a raid on several hideouts in the town based on “evidence they were being used by terrorists,” the spokesman said. During the search, they came under fire from a nearby building.
The police responded and arrested four Saudis suspected of involvement. They seized automatic weapons, ammunition, and communication devices, the ministry said.
Prince Saud Bin Naif, Emir of the Eastern Province, attended funeral prayers for Al-Qahtani at Al-Furqan Mosque in Dammam.
Awamiya is west of Dammam city on the Gulf coast. In December, security forces killed four militants in a clash in the Awamiya region.
