Saudi forces kill 8 in Shiite area

Saudi security forces have killed eight people during an operation in the predominantly Shiite eastern Al-Qatif region, state news agency SPA said Saturday, reports Reuters. 

The oil-producing province is a regular flash point between the Sunni-dominated government and minority Shiites, who complain of discrimination and marginalization. Saudi authorities deny mistreatment.

The operation occurred on Tarout island, just off the city of Qatif, and targeted a newly formed "terrorist cell," SPA said in a statement, adding there were no casualties among civilians or policemen.

Security forces were still at the site, it said.

Saudi security services regularly carry out operations in the area, with fatalities reported during operations in January and September, according to Saudi media.