Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has reported a suspected Shi’ite attack on Westerners.

Officials said two German diplomats survived a shooting attack in the Shi’ite town of Awamiya on Jan. 13.

Awamiya, located in the oil-rich Eastern Province, has been a battleground between Saudi security forces and Shi’ite insurgents, believed supported by Iran.

“As a result, the vehicle was torched, but the two German diplomats survived with the help of a Saudi citizen,” a Saudi police spokesman said.

This marked the first reported attack on Westerners in Awamiya in years. Officials said the attack, reported at 6 p.m., was being investigated by security forces and the German embassy in Riyadh.

The German Foreign Ministry confirmed the attack. The ministry said the diplomats were out for a “drive in the country.”

At least 20 people have been killed in clashes between Shi’ites and
security forces since 2011. The Saudi Interior Ministry has reported a
manhunt for nine Shi’ites accused of being linked to the attacks.

  Awamiya, Eastern Province, German diplomats in Saudi Arabia survive assassination attempt by Shi’ite insurgents, German diplomats survive assassination attempt by Saudi Shi’ite insurgents