SANAA // A Yemen-based affiliate of ISIL claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the rebel-held capital of Sanaa that killed 25 people during prayers for Eid Al Adha on Thursday.
The explosion, which also wounded dozens of worshippers, tore through the Al Bolayli mosque in the morning hours, according to Yemeni security officials. The mosque is located in an area where many residents support the rebels, also known as Houthis, who have controlled Sanaa since last September.
The ISIL affiliate’s claim of responsibility came in a statement circulated on Twitter by the militant group’s supporters.
The security officials said the suicide bomber placed an explosive device in his shoe, causing an initial explosion. As worshippers rushed to the door, he detonated himself in the middle of the crowd, they said.
There were puddles of blood and debris outside the mosque, whose ornate facade was damaged by the blast. Police and some Houthi fighters came to inspect the aftermath.
Yemen has been torn by a ferocious war pitting the Houthis and forces fighting for former president Ali Abdullah Saleh against fighters loyal to resident Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, as well as southern separatists, local militias and extremists.
* Associated Press
