Azhar deplores Shia mosque bombing in E. Saudi Arabia

CAIRO

Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, condemned Friday a suicide attack that targeted a Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia, warning against falling for plans that aim to "foment sectarian sedition".

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb "deplores the terrorist bombing that targeted a Shia mosque in the [eastern] Saudi province of Qatif that left dozens of deaths and injuries," Al-Azhar's media office said in a statement.

Al-Tayeb stressed on "the sanctity of blood and of houses of worship, as well as the importance of distancing such places away from conflicts".

The Grand Imam went on to highlight the need of giving priority to reason and wisdom, warning against falling victims to "plans that aim foment sectarian sedition" in the kingdom.

Earlier Friday, 20 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a Shia mosque in the province of Qatif, Saudi media has reported.

Several other people were injured – some critically – by the bombing. Survivors, meanwhile, said the mosque was full of people when the bombing took place.

UN chief condemns Saudi Arabia mosque attack

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday condemned a suicide attack that targeted a Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia.

"[Ban] stresses that such attacks on places of worship are abhorrent and intended to promote sectarian conflict," his spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

At least 20 people were killed earlier Friday when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a Shia mosque in the province of Qatif, according to Saudi media reports.

The UN chief said he hoped the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.

Friday's attack was the first to target the predominantly Shia eastern part of the country under King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who came to power in January.