2 Iranian men arrested 11 Oct in Washington over alleged plot to kill Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S.; Iran denied claims. 14 people injured 3 Oct in clashes between protesters and security forces in eastern Qatif province; officials blamed “outside forces”.

King Abdullah 25 Sept announced women would be given right to vote in 2015 and stand in municipal elections. Trial of 41 al-Qaeda suspects began 18 Sept, charged with planning attacks against U.S. military bases in Qatar and Kuwait.

Rights organisation 22 July accused govt of planning crackdown on dissent with new anti-terror legislation; govt denied allegations.

Diplomat 16 May killed by gunmen in Karachi, Pakistan; no immediate claims of responsibility (see Pakistan). 7 al-Qaeda members returned from abroad, surrendered early month; no reason given by authorities.

King Abdullah 29 Apr issued decree preventing media from reporting anything that contradicts Sharia law or serves “foreign interests and undermines national security”. Hundreds of Shiites demonstrated 8 Apr in eastern province for greater human rights, withdrawal of Saudi troops from Bahrain; some 30 Shiite activists arrested late month for taking part in protests.

Sporadic pro-democracy rallies throughout month increased after military intervention in Bahrain, mainly by Shiite activists in east. King Abdullah 19 March announced $93bn in handouts including welfare benefits and increased housing, ordered creation of 60,000 security jobs within interior ministry. Administration 23 March announced long-delayed Sept municipal elections.

Security forces deployed 16 Dec in Medina to break up clashes reportedly between minority Shiites commemorating Ashura and hardline Sunnis; 38 people arrested, 3 security officials injured. Wanted militant Mohammed Essam Taher Baghdadi with ties to al-Qaeda killed 25 Dec by security forces at checkpoint in southeast.

Authorities 24 March revealed arrests of 113 members of 3 al-Qaeda cells allegedly planning attacks on security forces, oil facilities; suspects mainly Saudi, Yemeni, most arrested in southern Jizan province.

Yemeni Houthi rebels handed over 3 captured Saudi soldiers to ceasefire committee 15, 18 Feb following truce deal with Sanaa govt (see Yemen); rebels 23 Feb said 2 Saudis still missing were dead. Suspected al-Qaeda militant arrested in Yanbu 12 Feb.

Deputy defence minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan 12 Jan said Jabri area on Yemen border recaptured from Yemen-based Houthi rebels, 4 soldiers, “hundreds” of rebels killed; 27 Jan said fighting over, 109 soldiers killed. In 25 Jan message Houthi leader offered truce, withdrawal in return for Saudi cessation of hostilities.