Three suicide bombings have struck across Saudi Arabia in a single day, including a shocking attack at Islam’s second holiest site, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, where four security guards were killed.
Monday’s attacks on Islam’s spiritual home came as Muslims prepare for the feast this week marking the end of the holy fasting month Ramzan.
There were no claims of responsibility, but the ISIS group had urged its supporters to carry out attacks during the holy month and has claimed or been blamed for a wave of Ramadan shootings and bombings including in Orlando, Bangladesh, Istanbul and Baghdad.
The suicide bombing in Medina came during sunset prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque — where Islam’s Prophet Mohammed is buried and which attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
The Saudi Interior Ministry said in a statement that security forces became suspicious of a man who was heading for the Prophet’s Mosque through a parking lot.
“As they tried to stop him, he blew himself up with an explosive belt causing his death and the death of four
security personnel,” the statement said, adding that five others were injured.
The targeting of Medina caused widespread outrage.
The Muslim world has united to condemn a deadly attack at one of Islam’s holiest sites — the Prophet’s Mosque in the Saudi city of Medina.
Setting aside differences, world leaders, politicians, groups and activists expressed their outrage on Tuesday, a day after a suicide bomber killed at least four guards within striking distance of the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
Javad Zarif, Iran’s Foreign Minister, condemned the bombing in Medina and called for Muslim unity. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, while its Army chief telephoned Saudi Defence Minister Prince Muhammad bin Salman to express his support.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Saudi brothers in fighting the menace of terrorism,” General Raheel said.
Cairo-based Al-Azhar, the highest authority in Sunni Islam, condemned the attacks and stressed “the sanctity of the houses of God, especially the Prophet’s Mosque.”
The head of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, the kingdom’s main advisory body, said the attack was “unprecedented”.
“This crime, which causes goosebumps, could not have been perpetrated by someone who had an atom of belief in his heart,” Abdullah al-Sheikh said. Iran, the main Shia power, also condemned the bombings and called for Muslim unity against extremists.
“There are no more red lines left for terrorists to cross. Sunnis, Shia will both remain victims unless we stand united as one,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.
The US embassy in Riyadh reported no casualties among consulate staff.