Suicide attack targets security forces at Saudi mosque, 17 killed

Rasa - A suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque Thursday in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Aseer, killing at least 17 people, according to Saudi media reports.

News ID: 3085

Date: 07 August 2015 - 13:42

RNA - A bomb targeting a mosque used by Saudi police killed at least 17 people Thursday in the southern city of Abha, state television El-Ikhbariya reported.

The explosion took place as worshipers were praying at a mosque used by Saudi special forces in Abha, the broadcaster said, describing it as a "terrorist" attack. It gave no further details.

An interior ministry spokesman confirmed the attack but gave a slightly lower toll of "more than 13" dead.

The victims were members of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, the spokesman told AFP.

"It's confirmed there's an explosion and there's more than 13 [ killed]... in a mosque," the spokesman said.

The explosion happened at the headquarters of the SWAT team, which is tasked with domestic security, he added.

It was too early to say who may have carried out the attack, he added.

Saudi Arabia has been on alert for attacks by ISIL, who have been blamed for killing policemen and for slaughtering members of the minority Shiite community.

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