RIYADH: Reacting to the horrific bomb blast in Asir, expatriates in the Kingdom said that they will rally behind the Saudi leadership in this challenging times.

Expressing their deepest condolence to the bereaved families, they said that such acts should be severely condemned and perpetrators should be brought to justice and given the maximum punishment according to the laws of the land.

“The expatriate community joins Saudi citizens in condemning this barbaric act in a place of worship. Many who joined the Friday congregation in one of the leading mosques in Sulaimaniah, Riyadh, had very high words of praise for the imam because the entire sermon was centered around this ugly incident, explaining what is in store for the perpetrators on the day of judgment,” a Sri Lankan company executive, Syed Hamid Moulana, said.

“We welcome a continuation of such sermons in every mosque in the Kingdom to enlighten youngsters misguided by Daesh, if there are still any left. The expatriate community pledges to stand by Saudi citizens to maintain peace in the country at any cost. We pray for the martyred security officers for the sacrifice they have made for the country,” he added.

Suresh Kumar, an Indian expatriate, said: “The terrorists have not gained any political points by this brutal act, but it has brought sorrow to the families of the victims and all of us common people living in the Kingdom. But I’m sure the Kingdom’s security apparatus is fully competent to catch the perpetrators and prevent similar acts in the future. My condolences to the bereaved families.”

Waheedul Islam, a Bangladeshi expatriate, said: “It was a double tragedy for me since the bomb blast not only killed Saudis but my country has also lost three of workers and two others have been severely injured in the incident.”

He pointed out that the Kingdom is a peaceful country and people come here not only to earn money but also to lead a safe and secure life. “It's my hope and prayer that the people who were responsible for this brutal act should be severely punished,” he said.