IS claims responsibility for suicide attacks in Yemen's capital

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombing attacks Thursday against a mosque in Yemen's capital of Sanaa, which has left 30 people dead.

"As part of a series of military operations in revenge for Muslims against the Shiite Houthis, the suicide bombers blew explosive-ladden belts amongst a gathering of the Shiites in al-Blaili mosque," the IS said in a Twitter post.

Scores of others were injured when two suicide bombings hit the mosque during Eid al-Adha prayers in Sanaa on Thursday morning, a security official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The suicide bombings took place early morning in downtown Sanaa near police headquarters when worshipers were coming out of the mosque after Eid al-Adha prayers, according to witnesses.

Al-Qaida and the IS have intensified their attacks against the Shiite Houthi group since the Houthis started to advance into the southern regions, where the terrorist groups are active.

They have conducted a series of suicide attacks in Sanaa since early this year that killed more than 100 people.

Security worsened dramatically in Yemen since March when war erupted in several provinces in the country's southern and northern regions after President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced to take refuge in Saudi Arabia by the Shiite Houthi group.

Saudi-backed government forces have recently launched several military campaigns against Houthi fighters in an attempt to drive them out of areas under their control.

The United Nations said more than 4,500 people had been killed in Yemen since March, including around 400 children. Endit