IS claims responsibility for attack that killed 15 people in Saudi Arabia

(Baonghean.vn)- On Thursday, August 6, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the bombing of a mosque at a headquarters of Saudi Arabia's special security forces in the south of the country. The bombing killed 15 people, including 12 police officers, and injured 9 others. This is considered one of the most dangerous attacks on Saudi Arabia's security forces.

The scene of the attack on Saudi Arabian security forces that killed 15 people and injured nine others. AFP

An IS affiliate in Al-Hijaz province confirmed that the attack was carried out by Abu Sinan Al Najdi. He detonated an explosive belt strapped to his body in a mosque in Abha, the capital of Assir province, Saudi Arabia. Assir province is known to be an area near the border with Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is conducting an air campaign against Houthi rebels - the force that is controlling Yemen.

This is not the first time IS has carried out attacks in Saudi Arabia – a country that has taken a rather hard line in the fight against IS. Last May, IS also claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings targeting Shiite mosques – whom IS has always considered “heretics” in Saudi Arabia. The first bombing took place in Qatif, killing 21 people, and the second in Dammam, killing four people.

Since IS carried out its first attack in Saudi Arabia on May 22, IS has promised to bring “dark days” to Shiites until “soldiers of IS” conquer the Arabian Peninsula.

In response to these threats, Saudi Arabia has in recent months stepped up its arrests of Sunni extremists suspected of planning to “escalate sectarian tensions” in the country. Saudi King Salman has also warned that anyone who participates in, plans, supports, cooperates with, or simply supports these heinous crimes will be held accountable, prosecuted, and punished accordingly.

Chu Thanh

(According to Le Monde)