Minister of Interior Prince Mohammad bin Naif has called for the anti-drugs squad in Qatif to be provided with armored cars in order to protect them against being shot at while they are conducting their professional duties in Al Awamiya.

The minister's call came after Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Jamil, vice general director of the anti-drug squad, met with members of the squad and heard their tales of being subjected to unprotected fire near an Al Awamiya farm recently. Some of the members were later admitted to hospital for surgery following their injuries.

Additionally, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Sadi Al-Zahrani of the Anti-Drugs Squad and Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Harbi of the Eastern Province Anti-Drugs Squad also spoke to the affected squad members by the telephone.

Eastern Province police spokesman Brig. Gen. Zeyad Al-Ruqaiti clarified that one of the Anti-drugs patrols was also subject to a shooting incident last Tuesday as the unit traveled on a road in the governorate. The squad team faced intense firing between Al Awamiya and Al-Qadih. The event resulted in the injury of the squad leader of the patrol and the accompanying officer. Both were taken to hospital for treatment. Police are currently investigating the crime to identify those involved in the shooting.