World Bulletin / News Desk 

A Saudi policeman was shot dead and three others were injured in an exchange of fire with gunmen in Shiite-populated eastern town of Awamiya, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

"Security forces raided Sunday several hideouts suspected to be used by terrorist elements in Awamiya, seizing automatic firearms, guns, ammunitions and communication devices," a ministry spokesman was quoted by state SPA news agency as saying.

During the raid, the police forces came under fire from a nearby building, prompting the policemen to fire back.

According to the official, one policeman was killed and three others were injured along with two civilians, noting that the latter are hospitalized in a stable conditions.

Four of the attackers were arrested, the spokesman said.

Awamiya has witnessed several shootings targeting security forces last year, one of which left two policemen dead in February of 2014.

Awamiya has witnessed several shootings targeting security forces last year, one of which left two policemen dead in February of 2014.

Sunday's violence is also the second security incident in the oil-rich, Shiite-populated Eastern Province.