Disturbances sweep across E. Saudi oil region

Despite the news blackout imposed by Riyadh, DEBKAfile reports widespread riots and clashes have been sweeping the oil-rich Eastern Provinces of Saudi Arabia between Shiite demonstrators and security forces, leaving unknown numbers of dead and wounded. One of the most violent incidents erupted at the funeral of a Shiite demonstrator shot dead by the police. The mourners set fire to police vehicles and shouted slogans calling for the overthrow of the Saudi throne. Friday night, heavy security forces reinforcements streamed to the afflicted region to crack down on the unrest.