Saudi media report car bomb explosion in Shiite neighborhood
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}State-linked Saudi news websites are reporting that a car bomb has exploded in a restive town in the country's Eastern Province, which is heavily populated by minority Shiites.
Video circulating on social media showed a car engulfed in flames and thick plumes of black smoke.
The Saudi media outlets, such as al-Marsad, say the car bomb exploded in the town of Qatif in a district with shops and apartment buildings. Al-Marsad and others say two people inside the car may have been killed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Violence between Shiite militants and security forces there has increased in recent weeks, with several incidents of militants firing rocket-propelled grenades at police. The Islamic State group has also previously launched attacks on Shiites in Qatif.
The Interior Ministry did not immediately comment on the explosion.