Maldives condemns attempted attack on Grand Mosque, applauds Saudi
Foreign Ministry said that it 'condemns in the strongest terms the attempted terrorist attack'
The Grand Mosque in Muslim holy city of Mecca
The government of Maldives has condemned Friday's targeted terror plot on the Grand Mosque in Muslim holy city of Mecca.
In a tweet sent out from his official account on Saturday afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that government 'condemns in the strongest terms the attempted terrorist attack' on the Grand Mosque.
The Ministry added that Maldives 'applauds the work of Saudi [Arabia] against terrorism'.
Saudi security forces had, on Friday foiled a suicide attack on the Grand Mosque, by cornering the would-be attacker in an apartment, where he blew himself up after exchanging fire with the forces, according to the Interior Ministry. The building collapsed, injuring six foreigners and five members of the Saudi security force.
In a statement read on state television, the ministry said that 'three cells had planned the attacks on worshippers and security forces at the mosque as the Muslim holy month of Ramada nears its climax'.
Thousands of Muslim worshippers visit the Grand Mosque during the last days of Ramadan, including members of the Saudi monarch, who usually spend the last 10 days in Mecca.
