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See pictures of Saudi Arabia’s destructive crackdown on Awamiyah

Remains of buildings are seen following the Saudi demolition of Awamiyah in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on August 9, 2017. (Photos by Reuters)

The following pictures depict the aftermath of Saudi Arabia’s deadly crackdown on the besieged Shia town of Awamiyah which has forced thousands of its residents to flee their homes. 

Awamiyah, located in the eastern Qatif region, has been under military lockdown since May, when Saudi troops began destroying al-Mosara.

Remains of buildings are seen following the Saudi demolition of Awamiyah in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on August 9, 2017.

Riyadh claims al-Mosara has become a hideout for “militants,” who are behind attacks on security forces in Eastern Province, but locals and the United Nations say the regime is after erasing cultural heritage in the Shia town and redeveloping the area.

A member of the media takes pictures of a damaged vehicle in Awamiyah on August 9, 2017.

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On Wednesday, foreign journalists were witness to the destruction wrought by Saudi forces on the town after being permitted entry for the first time.

Remains of buildings are seen following the Saudi demolition of Awamiyah on August 9, 2017.

Citing estimates by locals, Reuters reported that at least 20,000 people had either fled or been forcefully evacuated to neighboring towns since Riyadh’s crackdown began.

A member of the media takes pictures of a damaged vehicle in Awamiyah on August 9, 2017.

Since 2011, Eastern Province has been the scene of anti-regime demonstrations, with the protesters calling for freedom of speech, the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination exercised by authorities.


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