Saudi forces started their attack on Awamiyah on May 10, using gunships and heavy weapons. The city in the Eastern Province has a large Shia population.

The Saudi regime says the aim of the raid is to allow the demolition of the historic Almosara neighborhood to make way for a planned renovation project. 

Activists have posted pictures and videos of bulldozers being accompanied by heavily armored military vehicles towards the site.

They say the residents of Awamiyah are suffering severe water shortage and are able to access power only from private generators.

Ameen Nemer, an activist originally from Awamiyah, told Middle East Eye online news portal that most of the entrances to the village have been blocked off so that "cars hardly go out or get in".