Eight members of what Saudi authorities call a terrorist cell were killed on Saturday in a police raid in Saudi Arabia's eastern Qatif region, a Shia minority stronghold.

According to their state media, the recently-formed cell was preparing to carry out "terrorist activities" against the security of the country. A state security spokesperson said the men were killed after they fired shots at security forces, who had surrounded a residential apartment in the Sanabis neighbourhood.

"They were called on to surrender, but they did not respond and opened fire at the security forces ... which resulted in their killing," said the spokesperson.

No civilians or security forces were injured in the operation, he added.