At least five killed in armed attack on Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia

Saudi state television reported an armed attack on a Shia mosque in the eastern regions of the country on the evening of Friday, October 24, resulting in several casualties. According to the report, one of the attackers, described as a 'terrorist', was killed in a chase and exchange of fire with police forces. Al-Arabiya, close to Saudi Arabia, reported that at least five people were killed and six others injured during the attack on the 'Al-Hamza' mosque, located in the Shia-populated town of Saihat in the Qatif province of eastern Saudi Arabia. The report indicated that one suspect was killed during the exchange of fire with police, and two others were arrested. This news network added, citing 'preliminary information', that the attackers had stolen a taxi from the city of Dammam, used it to reach the mosque, and opened fire on worshippers exiting the mosque. Saudi state television stated that the attackers used 'light weapons' in their assault. Initial reports from Saudi media had indicated an attack on a 'Hosseiniyeh'. Meanwhile, a group named 'Bahrain Wilayat', affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), claimed responsibility for the attack on this mosque, identifying the attacker as 'Shuja al-Dosari'. This marks the second time in recent months that Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia have been targeted. On June 1, a suicide bombing at Imam Ali Mosque in the village of Qudaih in Qatif province killed at least 21 people and injured 90 others. A week later, another suicide bombing at the entrance of a mosque in Dammam killed at least four people. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for both suicide attacks.