Saturday, May 23, 2015

Saudi Arabia attack: Islamic State claims Shia mosque bombing

The Islamic State (IS) claims the suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia that killed at least 21 people and injured more than 80 people during Friday prayers. IS has previously threatened to attack Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia. The Sunni extremist group was looking to exacerbate tensions between the Saudi Arabia's Shia minority and the Sunni majority. Shia anger will most likely be directed at the government. IS also said it was behind a similar attack ion a Shia mosque in Yemen on Friday that injured a about a dozen people as well. It is believed that over 2,000 Saudis have joined IS with hundreds having returned home. Overall Saudi Arabia has launched a security crackdown in recent months arresting hundreds of IS suspects.

-Cori Elsesser

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32843510

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