Saudi terror suspect killed in gun battle in Shiite village

Riyadh: A Saudi wanted on “terror-related” charges has been killed in a gun battle with security forces in a Shiite village, the kingdom’s interior ministry said on Sunday.

Bassem Ali Mohammad Al Gidaihi “died yesterday [Saturday] afternoon,” ministry spokesman General Mansour Al Turki told AFP.

Al Gidaihi was taken to hospital after the exchange of fire in the village of Awamiya, the scene of past clashes with Shiite protesters, but suffered a “setback” following initial treatment, the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing doctors.

An associate of the suspect was in stable condition after being wounded in the gunfight, the doctors added.

Al Gidaihi was wanted on charges including previously shooting at police and taking part in “riots”, SPA reported citing the interior ministry.

Awamiya is just west of Dammam city in oil-rich Eastern Province.

In early September authorities said gunmen fired at a police patrol in Awamiya, wounding one security officer and causing a pipeline to catch fire.