Monday, July 4, 2016

Ramadan bombathon: Saudi cities of Medina and Qatif 'hit by suicide bombers'

(Yahoo India) Riyadh: At least four people were killed and several others injured in three separate explosions that shook the holy cities of Medina and Qatif in eastern Saudi Arabia, where many of the kingdom’s Shi’ite Muslim minority live, and witnesses said body parts could be seen in the area of the blast, according to CNN.

Agenceis said that these are very preliminary reports and it is likely that the number of casualties could rise.

A suicide bomber detonated a device near the security headquarters of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, the second-holiest site in Islam, according to reports on Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television.

A witness said one explosion destroyed a car parked near a mosque, followed by another explosion just before 7 p.m. local time. Body parts could be seen and they are believed to be that of an attacker, the witness added.
(BBC) A suicide bomber has attacked the Saudi city of Medina, close to the Prophet's Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, according to local media reports.

The bomber detonated his device as security officers were breaking their Ramadan fast, al-Arabiya TV said.

Footage on the TV network showed a blazing vehicle. There are no details of casualties and no official comment.

The mosque is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad and Medina the second-holiest city in Islam after Mecca.

State-linked Sabq news and the Okaz newspaper also carried reports of the suicide attack.

Earlier, at least one explosion rocked the eastern city of Qatif.

Qatif is home to many minority Shia Muslims and the blast appeared to target a Shia mosque. No casualties have been reported so far.

Ramadan death toll is now at 8,767