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UN chief "strongly condemns" mosque attack in Saudi Arabia

Xinhua, May 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Friday condemned "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attack on Friday targeting a Shia mosque in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement of a UN spokesperson.

The attack, in the city of Qatif in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, caused many deaths and injuries as people were gathering for Friday prayers, said the spokesperson.

According to local media, at least six worshippers were killed and several others injured in a suicide blast. Several Twitter accounts for the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the blast.

"The Secretary-General stresses that such attacks on places of worship are abhorrent and intended to promote sectarian conflict. He hopes that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice, " said the spokesperson.

The secretary general extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his sympathies to the government and people of Saudi Arabia, said the spokesperson. Endite