World reacts to foiled terrorist attack at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

Global condemnations have poured in following a foiled terror attack on Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday.

Security forces said the operation was planned by three terrorist groups, two based in Mecca and the thrid in Jeddah. The foiled attack targeted worshipers at the mosque.

The first operation was foiled in Mecca in Assila district, while the second was thwarted in Ajyad al-Masafi neighborhood.

A suicide bomber, who was hiding in a house in the Ajyad neighborhood, opened fire on security forces and refusing to comply with calls to turn himself in. He later blew himself up after a crackdown on him.

Six people were injured and five members of the security forces were lightly injured.

Security forces arrested five of the accused, including a woman, who are currently being investigated.

The UAE

The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan said the attempted attack would only increase “our will” to encounter those who support terrorism.

“This horrible crime shows how far terrorism has reached in scope and brutality. No sane person can give any justification or explanation for this,” he said.

The UAE minister hailed the Saudi security apparatus in foiling the attack.

Jordan

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammed Momani condemned the failed attack and expressed Jordan's support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its fight against terrorism.

Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, reiterated Jordan's call for united international efforts to fight terrorists and terror organizations.

Iraqi parliament

Iraqi parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri told Al Arabiya News Channel in an interview on Friday evening that “liberating minds from extremist ideology” is far more important than just freeing territories seized by ISIS.

Jabouri made his comments after Saudi forces foiled one planned terrorist attack, targeting the area surrounding Mecca’s Grand Mosque and worshipers. The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds Islam’s holiest place, the Kaaba, in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

“We need a unified stance” to further support “moderate Islam” to tackle this ideology, Jabouri said, urging that Muslim youth needs to be a “invested” in.

He said this extremist ideology needs to be “fully eliminated” since “it can find another place” after areas are “liberated.”

Egypt’s Ministry of Awqaf

Egypt’s Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Minister ‎Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa condemned the attack and said his country “stands with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their efforts against terrorism.”

Egypt’s government and Grand Mufti also condemned the attack.

Bahrain

Bahrain in a statement “expressed its sincere appreciation of the great role of Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in providing all the comforts and tranquility for worshippers, visitors and pilgrims.”

The statement added that Bahrain “lauded the outstanding efforts of the security men in thwarting the cowardly terror plot and affirmed that it stands fully with Saudi Arabia in its leadership role to consolidate and enhance security and peace in the region and across the world.”

Bahrain said that it also fully supports all the actions and measures by Saudi Arabia to eliminate terrorist organizations.

Muslim World League

Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa condemned the attempted attack and said that terrorism presented a horrific face to those who are deluded in attributing their hostile acts to Islam.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also heavily condemned the attack plot and lauded the Saudi security forces for their work.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said that his organizations condemns terrorism in “all its forms.”

Palestine

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the terrorist plot and expressed the Palestinian people's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of terrorism and extremism.