RIYADH (Press TV) – Saudi Arabian troops have fatally shot a youth during operations carried out in the kingdom's Shia-populated Qatif region in Eastern Province.
Abdullah al-Qallaf was killed while driving in his car in the town of al-Awamiyah. According to local reports, Qallaf was mistakenly shot by Saudi troops who were targeting a political activist. Following the incident Saudi forces removed Qallaf body to an undisclosed location.
The Shia-populated Eastern Province has been the scene of peaceful demonstrations since February 2011. Protesters have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression, the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination against the oil-rich region. The protests have been met with a heavy-handed crackdown by the regime. Security forces have increased security measures across the province.