Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned yesterday’s attacks in Saudi Arabia as “criminal acts” that contradict “all humanitarian, moral and Islamic values.”
Four security guards were killed and five others were wounded by a suicide bomber outside the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina, Saudi’s Ministry of Interior said.
Bloodshed in the name of religion is unacceptable. #Qatar strongly condemns blasts targeting #SaudiArabia, and reaffirms solidarity.
— Ù…Øمد بن عبدالرØمن (@MBA_AlThani_) July 4, 2016
The explosion took place right before iftar time at one of the holiest sites for Muslims, which is also the burial place of the Prophet.
No one took responsibility for that attack or two others around Saudi yesterday.
However, the attack particularly in Medina spawned condemnations of ISIS around the world, including from Qatar residents.
How dare Isis attack Prophet Mohammed's mosque!! These people are viscous animals! #Medina
— Mohammed Al-Jufairi (@Halawala) July 4, 2016
It's the holy month of Ramadan. That apparently wasn't enough. These racists also had to target Medina
— Razan (@razalaoozy) July 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/mariamaIthani/status/750023941968785408
Other attacks
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that a suicide bomber detonated his vest outside of a Shia mosque in Qatif (across the country from Medina) around sunset yesterday.
The dead and injured are still being verified, Saudi’s MOI said.
Meanwhile, Qatar has also condemned a suicide bombing in Jeddah, the third attack to take place earlier yesterday.
According to Al Jazeera English, two security officers were injured after a man blew himself up near the US consulate there.
He was later identified by Saudi’s MOI as a 34-year-old Pakistani man who had moved to the country 12 years ago to work as a driver.
In a statement, Qatar’s MOFA said the nation supports Saudi “as the latter faces these crimes committed against innocent people” and any efforts it takes “to preserve its peace and stability.”
The Emir also sent his condolences to the neighboring country yesterday, and several buildings around town lit up in green as solidarity:
Sheraton Hotel and Aspire Zone in #Qatar are lit up in green, in solidarity with #Saudi Arabia.#PrayForMadinah pic.twitter.com/Z6sORO0bQ8
— Reem Al-Harmi ريم الØرمي (@Reem_AlHarmi) July 5, 2016
Eid preparations
The attacks on Saudi come right before Eid Al Fitr begins tomorrow.
Gulf countries have been tightening security ahead of the holiday, where crowds of people tend to gather to pray and celebrate the end of Ramadan.
In Qatar, security patrols are being stepped up at malls and other hotspots, including Hamad International Airport.
And in nearby Kuwait, prayers at outdoor Eid grounds have been canceled due to security reasons.
State news agency KUNA said the country has already recently foiled three plots against ISIS in Kuwait and abroad.
Thoughts?
