Saudi Arabia: Suicide attack near US consulate in Jeddah

A suicide bomber detonated early this morning near the US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry reported, according to AFP.

Guards became suspicious of a man near the parking lot of a hospital located across from the US consulate. When they moved toward him, he „detonated, initiating an explosive belt on the hospital parking lot“ at around 2:15 a.m., the ministry's report stated. Two guards sustained minor injuries.

The explosion occurred shortly before the call to prayer that announces the start of the fast. Saudi state TV channel Al-Ekhbaria reported that a mosque is located near the site of the explosion.

The incident took place on July 4, American Independence Day.

Investigators are attempting to identify the perpetrator, the ministry's report said.

A spokesman for the US State Department in Washington stated:

- We are aware of the explosion in Jeddah and are working with Saudi officials to gather information. We can confirm that all consulate personnel are accounted for.

There are still no indications regarding the perpetrator of the attack, but since 2014, Saudi security officials and Shia minorities have been targeted by deadly violence for which ISIL claims responsibility, the AFP report said.