Dubai - Saudi security forces have killed some people during an operation in the predominantly Shiite eastern Al Qatif region, Al Hadath TV tweeted on Saturday.

The oil-producing province is a regular flashpoint.

The operation occurred on Tarout island, just off the city of Qatif, said the Saudi-owned TV station, giving no further details. Saudi security services regularly carry out operations in the area, with fatalities reported during operations in January and September, according to Saudi media.