Man Wanted By Saudi Police Detonates Suicide Belt
On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, a wanted man by the Saudi Arabian police detonated a suicide belt after being surrounded by the police in his hideout in the Al-Awamiyah district of Qatif province. The man, identified as Abdullah Al-Qatif, was wanted for his involvement in several terror attacks in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
The Background
The story began in 2011 when protests erupted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, which has a Shiite Muslim majority. The protesters demanded political changes and greater rights for the Shiite minority. The Saudi government responded with violence, and the protests turned into clashes between the protesters and the security forces.
The violence escalated, and in 2014, a group of Shiite militants formed the Al-Hasam Brigade, which aimed to attack the government and the Sunni Muslim minority. The group carried out several attacks, including bombings, shootings, and assassinations.
The Manhunt
Abdullah Al-Qatif was one of the militants wanted by the Saudi police. He was suspected of involvement in several attacks on the security forces and the Sunni mosques. The police had been searching for him for months, and they finally received a tip that he was hiding in a house in the Al-Awamiyah district.
The police surrounded the house and called on Al-Qatif to surrender, but he refused and threatened to detonate his suicide belt. The police tried to negotiate with him, but he refused to listen. Eventually, Al-Qatif detonated his suicide belt, killing himself and damaging the house.
The Fallout
The incident sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with some people condemning Al-Qatif's actions and others calling him a hero. The Saudi government praised the police for their successful operation and warned other militants that they would not tolerate any attacks on the security forces and civilians.
The incident also drew attention to the ongoing conflict between the Shiite minority and the Sunni Muslim majority in Saudi Arabia. The Shiite minority has long complained of discrimination and marginalization, and the government's crackdown on dissent has only exacerbated the tensions.
The Significance
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict between the Shiite minority and the Sunni Muslim majority in Saudi Arabia. The government's crackdown on dissent has led to a rise in violence, with militant groups such as the Al-Hasam Brigade carrying out attacks on the security forces and the Sunni mosques.
The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Saudi government's approach to dealing with the Shiite minority. Critics argue that the government's crackdown on dissent has only fueled the violence and that a more inclusive political system is needed to address the grievances of the Shiite minority.
The Conclusion
The incident of Abdullah Al-Qatif detonating his suicide belt after being surrounded by the Saudi police highlights the ongoing conflict between the Shiite minority and the Sunni Muslim majority in Saudi Arabia. The government's crackdown on dissent has led to a rise in violence, and the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the Saudi government's approach to dealing with the Shiite minority.
It is important for the Saudi government to address the grievances of the Shiite minority and to work towards a more inclusive political system, which would give the minority a voice in the government and society. The incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers of extremism and the need for all communities to work towards peace and tolerance.