The Islamic State (IS) group on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shiite community center in Saudi Arabia, a statement posted on the group's website said.

The attack took place when a gunman opened fire at a Shiite community center in Saihat district in the Qatif area of Eastern Province, Al Arabiya local news reported.

The man opened fire on a husseiniya, leaving two civilians killed before he was shot dead by Saudi police.

According to the news website, before the attack took place, the man with another three terrorists were planning to attack a mosque in the same area, but the attempt was foiled. One of them was killed and two others were arrested.

The fourth terrorist managed to escaped and attacked the hussainiya.

The attack occurred while Saudi Shiites were marking Ashura anniversary, one of the holiest occasions of the Shiite faith.

During the Ashura season last year, five Shiite Muslims were killed and nine others injured when masked men opened fire at them near a hussainiya in Ahsa. The attack was allegedly linked to the IS militant group.