Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A bomb and gun attack on a mosque in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province killed at least four people and wounded at least 18 on Friday, a witness and Saudi-owned media said.
The witnesses said in an audio testimony sent to Reuters by a local activist that an explosion was followed by shooting in Imam Rida Mosque in the town of Mahasen in the Al Ahsa region.
"The explosion happened outside the mosque, at the courtyard of the mosque, while another one entered with a machinegun. There are martyrs and wounded," the witness said.
"The young men grabbed his gun and beat him up, but he did not die. The police then came and took him away and the wounded were taken in private cars because ambulance cars did not arrive quickly."
VIDEO: Moment a suicide bomber detonates in Mahasen mosque in #Saudi Arabia - @Ahrar_TV pic.twitter.com/aij1mzCkXM— Conflict News (@Conflicts) January 29, 2016
Videos and photos circulated on social media showed at least three people lying apparently motionless inside the mosque, one with a mutilated hand.
VIDEO: Aftermath of the suicide bombing in #Saudi mosque - @Ahrar_TV pic.twitter.com/zQSDwJojv9— Conflict News (@Conflicts) January 29, 2016
VIDEO: Worshipers subduing a gunman after a suicide attack on their mosque in #Saudi Arabia - @roridonaghy pic.twitter.com/dYFiaSVNtD— Conflict News (@Conflicts) January 29, 2016
A separate video footage showed police firing in the air trying to disperse an angry crowd as they held one suspect in custody. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television channel also reported that three people were killed in the mosque attack in Al Ahsa and that one suspect was arrested by the authorities.
UAE condems terrorist attack
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has condemned the terrorist attack which struck a mosque in the province of Ihsa, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the UAE's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its backing for the Kingdom against any terrorist acts that target its security and stability.
The UAE also reiterated its firm stance on the need for concerted efforts from the international community to eliminate the scourge of terrorism which is against all ethical and human values.
The ministry extended sincere condolences and sympathies to the Saudi government and the families of the victims and wished for a speedy recovery for the wounded.
