Explosion Reported Near Holy Mosque in Medina
A state-associated Saudi news site reported an explosion went off outside a building overlooking the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, according to the Associated Press.
The Prophet’s Mosque, the burial site of the Prophet Muhammad, is visited by millions of Muslims every year during pilgrimages to Mecca. With Ramadan ending this week, Mecca is especially teeming with travelers.
Witnesses posted photos of smoke from the blast blowing across the holy site:
Flames rise after an explosion at Prophet Muhammad's mausoleum and last resting place in Medina, #SaudiArabia. pic.twitter.com/A5DpOfXlAn
— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) July 4, 2016
Al Jazeera reported four people have been killed in explosion. The AP is still reporting that it’s, “not immediately clear if anyone was killed or wounded.”
According to the BBC, al-Arabiya TV said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated his device as security guards were breaking their Ramadan fast.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.