Shia Mosque Bombed by Islamic State in Saudi Arabia during Friday Prayers

A bomb has exploded at a Shia mosque in the predominantly Sunni nation of Saudi Arabia, suggesting that the sectarian warfare that has engulfed the region may soon overwhelm one of the Arab world's most stable countries.

The BBC reports the explosion took place at a mosque in the village of al-Qadeeh in the province of Qatif during Friday prayers. At least 10 people have died already, while the local Qatif Central Hospital said they have received around 70 patients because of the bombing. An unspecified number of those injuries are said to be critical.

The hospital also called in all of its staff that were off-duty and put out a call for blood donations from the local community.

Qatif is the country's easternmost province and home to most of Saudi Arabia's Shia minority population. As it lags behind the rest of the country in wealth and economic development, it was one of the few places in Saudi Arabia to witness protests during the Arab Spring.

Bombings of mosques during prayers by sectarian terrorists are common tactics in countries experiencing sectarian conflict, such as Iraq and Pakistan.

The Islamic State, which is Sunni and strongly sectarian, has repeatedly called for attacks within Saudi Arabia. Just last month, two policeman were killed by gunmen who were affiliated with the terrorist group.

The Sydney Morning Herald notes that in November, a group of gunmen attacked civilians in another city in Qatif with automatic weapons. Five people were killed and nine others injured in that incident.

The Herald also notes that last month the Saudi police arrested 93 people who were attempting to incite "sectarian unrest."