ADEN, Yemen (AP) – Quadruple suicide bombers hit a pair of mosques controlled by Shiite rebels in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Friday – unleashing blasts through crowds of worshippers and killing at least 46 and wounding 100, according to medical officials. The attacks were one of the deadliest in the capital since the rebels seized control six months ago.
The four bombers attacked the Badr and al-Hashoosh mosques, located across town from each other, during midday Friday prayers, traditionally the most crowded time of the week, according to the state news agency. While both mosques are controlled by Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, they are both frequented by Sunni worshippers as well.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Houthis are sworn enemies of Yemen’s powerful al-Qaida branch – which is regarded by Washington as the world’s most dangerous and active al-Qaida affiliate. Supporters of the rival Islamic State affiliate in Yemen also cheered for the attack on Twitter.
The rebel-owned Al-Masirah TV channel said area hospitals were urging citizens to donate blood. It also reported that a fifth suicide bomb attack on another mosque was foiled in the northern city of Saada – a Houthi stronghold.
Two suicide bombers attacked the Badr mosque. The first bomber was caught by militia guards searching worshippers at the mosque entrance and detonated his device at the outside gates. Amid the ensuing panic, a second bomber was able to enter the mosque and blow himself up amid the crowds, according to the official news agency SABA. At least 16 people were killed in the attacks, the agency said.