Gunfire wounds those at Shiite mosque in east Saudi Arabia

Security forces confronted both attackers as they headed toward the Imam Ridha mosque in the town of Mahasen, in eastern Saudi Arabia’s al-Ahsa region in Eastern Province, where worshippers were holding Friday prayers, the press agency reported.

Videos and photos circulated on social media showed at least three people lying apparently motionless inside the mosque, one with a mutilated hand.

The attack struck the Imam Reza Mosque in the neighborhood of Mehasin during prayers.

Shiites in Saudi Arabia previously have been targeted in attacks by ISIL in the kingdom.

“The situation has been handled”, Al-Turkey said.

Reports later confirmed the deaths of at least three people.

One suspect blew himself up near the mosque and another one was arrested after being shot at by Saudi authorities, Al Arabiya’s correspondent reported. In August, a suicide bomber killed at least 15 people in a mosque used mainly by security forces and another 21 people were killed and 81 injured in another attack in the village of al-Qadeeh in the eastern part of the country.

ISIS claimed both May attacks.

Residents said the mosque belonged to the minority Shiite community.

Details were sketchy as Saudi state media did not immediately report on the attack.