Saudi Arabia mosque suicide bombing: At least two dead and seven hurt after Shia Muslims attacked
There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Isis has been behind similar recent attacks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least two people have been killed and seven others injured in a suicide bombing and shooting attack at a mosque in Saudi Arabia.
Shia Muslims were gathering at the Imam Reza Mosque, in the city of Al-Hofuf, for Friday prayers at the time.
The Saudi interior ministry said that two suicide bombers detonated their vests after security guards prevented them entering the buildings.
“When security men stopped them, one blew himself up at the entrance of the mosque and there was an exchange of fire with the other,” a spokesperson said. “He was wounded and arrested wearing an explosive belt.”
Footage shared on social media showed the moment of the explosion, which was followed by sounds believed to be gunfire.
The mosque appeared to be full when the blast ripped through the building, blowing out windows, shaking the walls and cutting the electricity.
A separate video claimed to show the surviving gunman being restrained by worshippers, who forced him to lie face-down on the floor as a man appeared to remove a device from around his waist.
There have been numerous suicide bombings targeting Shia Muslims in the predominantly Sunni country in the past year.
Isis has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks that followed a similar pattern, using armed militants wearing suicide vests to shoot worshippers before detonating the explosives.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments