Security forces in the southern Najran region have arrested more than 250 Saudis and expatriates for allegedly committing various crimes and violating the Kingdom’s residency and labor laws.

Abdullah Al-Ashwi, spokesman for Najran police, confirmed the report and said the arrests included those wanted on criminal charges.

“We have arrested 82 people for committing various crimes, 59 for violating general regulations, and 116 for breaking traffic rules,” the spokesman said.

He said the campaign against illegals was carried out on the directives of Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Shahri, Najran police chief.

Meanwhile, police in Riyadh have arrested three thieves who impersonated as police officers and robbed a number of Asian workers in the city.

The thieves took money, mobile phones and other valuables from foreigners at gunpoint after breaking into their homes, a police statement said. One of the three thieves wore a police uniform, it added.

Police arrested the three Saudis and seized from them a police uniform, false ID cards and mobile phones. “The three criminals admitted to police that they carried out the operations after careful planning,” the statement said.

In a related development, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence and car of Nabeeh Al-Brahim, former deputy chairman of Qatif Municipal Council.

Eastern Province police said a police station in northern Qatif received a call about the incident at 12:30 p.m., adding that the incident took place in Awamiya, where a number of gun attacks have taken place in recent years.

“The gun attack has damaged the front side of the house as well as the car,” the statement said, adding that criminal investigation agencies have collected evidence from the crime site in an attempt to track down the criminals.