Qatif conflict Map of Saudi Arabia, with Eastern Province (including Qatif region) highlighted. (For a more detailed map of the current military situation in Qatif, see here.) Date 26 November 1979 – present (38 years and 2 weeks) Location Saudi Arabia Status Ongoing Civil unrests suppressed Political crackdown on civil disobedience in Saudi Arabia Continuing discrimination and human rights violations of Shi'a citizens Belligerents Saudi Arabia Iran-backed Shia militants[1] Organization for the Islamic Revolution in the Arabian Peninsula (1979–91)[1] Hezbollah Al-Hejaz (1987–present; mostly inactive since 1990s)[2] Arab Shia activists Casualties and losses Total: 213–275 killed (1979–2017)