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Security personnel, citizens come under fire in Qatif - Interior Ministry

RIYADH, Nov 24 (KUNA) -- An official statement by the Interior Ministry Thursday reported that a number of security check points, vehicles, and personnel had come under fire in Al-Qatif by riot makers in several areas of Ash-Sharqiyah region and in an accelerating manner since Monday.
A ministry official said the trouble makers are acting upon what he termed "agendas of external parties," and that security forces handled the situation with all possible restraint.
The shootings left two citizens dead, and six others were injured including a woman and two security officers. There was also an exchange of fire at the funeral procession of one of the victims. The attackers were firing from narrow alleys and from positions within residential areas.
All necessary procedures had been taken in said residential areas and streets to investigate the incidents, track down the attackers, and prevent further harm to citizens and property, the statement said.
"As we report these incidents, we fully realize that the aim of the riot makers is to serve the goals of their associates from other countries, in an attempt to drag the public and the security personnel into confrontation," the official stressed.
The statement reiterated a strong warning that all who date violate laws and regulations shall 'face consequences', and that security forces at their designated posts are fully authorized to deal with any situation that arises in the manner they deem fitting to stop these criminal acts.
The ministry included the statement an appeal to the residents of Al-Qatif to stand up to trouble makers to spare innocent lives and bystanders.(end) oy.wsa KUNA 241027 Nov 11NNNN