Moscow condemns Saudi mosque blast

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Saturday the deadly bombing that hit a Shiite mosque in al-Qadeeh, Saudi Arabia, leaving scores of people dead and injured, Sputnik reported.

"We strongly and unequivocally condemn this bloody terrorist crime. We express our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. All the masterminds and organizers of the terrorist attacks must be severely punished," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.

Lukashevich also said his country consistently denounced any use of religion for political purposes and for igniting inter-religious conflicts.

The deputy foreign minister voiced Moscow's support for Saudi Arabia while also urging other countries to help combat terrorism in the Middle East and beyond.

At least 21 people lost their lives and around 100 others sustained injuries on Friday, when an explosion ripped through Imam Ali Mosque in the village of al Qadeeh, located in Saudi Arabia’s Qatif district.