A Yemen-based affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa that killed 25 people during prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha on Thursday.
The explosion, which also wounded dozens of worshippers, tore through the al-Bolayli mosque in the morning hours, according to Yemeni security officials.
The mosque is located in an area where many residents support the Shia rebels, also known as Houthis, who have controlled Sanaa since last September. The ISIS affiliate’s claim of responsibility came in a statement circulated on Twitter by the Sunni militant group’s supporters.
The Associated Press could not independently verify the authenticity of the claim. The statement said IS targeted the Shiite rebels, whom the Sunni extremists view as heretics.
The security officials said the suicide bomber placed an explosive device in his shoe, causing an initial explosion. As worshippers rushed to the door, he detonated himself in the middle of the crowd, they said.
The officials, who remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered the country, spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.