Pakistan condemns terrorist attack at Saudi Arabia mosque

Pakistan condemned a deadly terrorist attack at a Shiite mosque in Saudi Arabia that killed nearly 21 people during Friday prayers.

Al Arabiya news reported the explosion that targeted "Imam Ali" Mosque in Qudaih area of the Saudi city of Qatif also left 66 Shiite worshipers injured.

"Pakistan strongly condemns deadly terrorist attack at a Mosque in Qadeeh during Friday prayers, which resulted in the loss of several valuable lives and injuries to scores of people," the Foreign Ministry said.

Several Twitter accounts for the Islamic State (IS) or Dai'sh claimed responsibility for the blast. "The people and the Government of Pakistan wish to convey their heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The statement said Pakistan shares the grief of the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over this cowardly and deliberate attack against innocent civilians.

Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the Foreign Ministry statement said.

The blast occurred at a time when Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies are carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

Last November, three masked gunmen killed five Shiites and injured nine others in the eastern town of Aldaloh in Ahsa Governorate.

Most of Saudi Arabia's minority Shiites lives in the eastern region, where they have long protested against marginalization in the Sunni-dominated kingdom. Endi