[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Suicide bomber explodes in Makkah
The last Friday of Ramzan, the fasting month for the Muslim world was wrecked with bloody incidents, marked with a suicide bomb explosion in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, sectarian attacks against Shias in Pakistan and worldwide protests against Israel’s occupation of Al-Aqsa mosque, the third most important religious site for the community.
The last Friday of Ramzan, known as Jum’atul Vida, is considered to be one of the most important days when billions of Muslims gather in the mosques to offer special prayers.
A suicide bomber blew himself up near the Grand Mosque at Makkah during police raid when a three storey building was surrounded by security personnel.
According to Interior Ministry spokesman General Mansour al-Turki, the police “foiled the terrorist plan that targeted the security of the Grand Mosque, pilgrims and worshippers. Six foreign pilgrims were hurt in the explosion”.
Turki further said that “unfortunately he (the bomber) started shooting towards security personnel once he noticed their presence in the area, which led to an exchange of fire before he blew himself up”. The explosion was so powerful that the building collapsed. The bomber was killed while the blast wounded six foreigners and five members of security forces. Five persons including a woman were arrested, the statement said.
The bomber was hiding in a house in the Aiyad neighborhood. The second group of terrorists was caught in Masafi neighborhood of the city.
The incident took place around the Grand Mosque, where hundreds of thousands of worshippers gathered for early afternoon prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan, the fasting month.
The state Al-Arabia TV reported that security forces had found two groups of terrorists in Makkah and a third group in the port city of Jeddah. The foiled attack targeted worshippers at the mosque, it said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan witnessed multiple attacks in three different places killing 62 people and injuring 100 others. A suicide bomber blew up his explosive laden car in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, killing 13 including seven policemen.
Twin explosions were reported from Parachinar, the headquarters of Khurram Agency, situated near Afghanistan border, killing at 45 people, mostly Shias and injuring over 75 others.
The third attack took place in Karachi where motorcycle borne armed men opened fire on security forces, killing four, including an assistant sub inspector.
Moreover, Muslims across the world took part in rallies on the International Quds Day in a show of support for the Palestinian cause. Huge protests were reported from Tehran and other Iranian cities. Similar protests were organized in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata an elsewhere.
Most of the capitals in Asia, Middle East, Europe, America, Russia, Turkey, and Nicosia also witnessed Al-Quds protest rallies.
In 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder leader of Islamic revolution of Iran had appealed to the world Muslims to observe International Quds Day on the last Friday of Ramadan demanding liberation of Al-Aqsa mosque from Israeli occupation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]