German diplomats survive attack in Saudi Arabia

Two German diplomats Monday survived an attack on their car by unknown assailants in Saudi Arabia's Qatif governorate, Saudi Press Agency quoted local police as saying.

A vehicle owned by the German embassy was hit by gunfire from unknown assailants in Awwamiyya town, a police spokesman said. "The vehicle was burned, but the two German diplomats onboard survived the incident with the help of a Saudi citizen," Xinhua quoted him as saying.

Saudi security authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

One week ago, Qatif governorate, with a high Shiite population, witnessed heavy shooting by unknown assailants who targeted a police vehicle, which led to the death of a policeman.

The Saudi interior minister released two years ago a list of 23 wanted individuals on rioting and random shooting charges in Qatif. Names on the list have dropped to eight after most of the suspects were arrested.