Repeated shootings in the Saudi Kingdom involving police officials are not the acts of criminals as the authorities report, but an armed response by sympathizers of Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network, according to opposition sources Tuesday.
"The mujahedeen (Islamic fighters) have decided to go for armed confrontation and to no longer surrender to the security services," said Saad al-Faqih, spokesman for the London-based Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia (MIRA).
"At least nine armed clashes have taken place in the last six or seven months, the most recent on Sunday in the eastern province of Qatif," he told AFP, quoting sources within the security apparatus.
Faqih explained that the clashes followed fatwas or religious decrees issued by unofficial Muslim leaders, including Sheikh Hmud bin Okla al-Shuaibi "who authorized, if necessary, armed resistance". (Albawaba.com)
