Umm Muhammed Umar

An alleged suspect in a fatal ISIS attack on a mosque in Saudi Arabia in 2015 blew himself up on Friday in Jeddah when Saudi security personnel were attempting to apprehend him. A Presidency of State Security announcement read: “When the procedures for his arrest were initiated, he blew himself up with an explosive belt, which resulted in his death and the injury of a resident and three security men.”

Saudi Press Agency reports that Saudi national, 39-year-old Abdullah bin Zayed al-Bakri al-Shehri, was one of nine persons linked to the 2015 explosion near the Yemeni border, that left 15 people, mostly policemen, dead. Five other suspects were taken into custody in May 2016.

Members of a police special weapons and tactics team reportedly frequented the targeted mosque in Abha.

Arab nations, meanwhile, according to Arab News have expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia. The UAE’s ministry of foreign affairs applauded the efficiency of the Saudi security forces, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the blast. Bahrain pledged “unwavering solidarity” with the Kingdom, and praised relentless efforts to preserve national security. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said, “Kuwait stands by Saudi Arabia and supports all measures it may take to safeguard its security and the safety of its people.” Jordan said that it supported Saudi Arabia “in every step taken to protect its security.” The Egyptian foreign ministry also supported the Kingdom’s fight against “all forms of terrorism”.