Security forces in Saudi Arabia foiled a terror plot on Friday targeting the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the security spokesperson of the Saudi Interior Ministry, Mansour al-Turki said.

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

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.

Muslim worshipers are continuing their Tarawih prayers safely at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Friday, Al Arabiya News Channel correspondent reported after Saudi security forces foiled a terrorist attack in the area.

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. Muslims during the month of Ramadan perform extra prayers known as Tarawih in the evening after they break their fast at sunset.

Muslims also tend to finish reading the Quran during Ramadan.
Mansour Turki, the spokesperson of the Saudi interior ministry, said the kingdom’s forces have foiled terrorist attacks emanating from three locations, one from Jeddah city and the other two were in Mecca.

In Mecca, the two attacks were planned in Al-Asiliya neighborhood and the second in Ajyad Al-Masafi neighborhood inside the circumference of the Grand Mosque, where Muslim worshipers were targeted.

Report: Al-Arabiya