A massive explosion at a mosque in the Pakistani city of Quetta has left at least 100 people dead and dozens more injured. The incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. According to local reports, the blast occurred during prayer time as worshippers were leaving the mosque after Friday prayers. The death toll is expected to rise, as rescue workers are still trying to reach the affected area. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of this horrific attack.
Following a mosque suicide bombing that targeted police officers in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, the death toll has increased to 100.
A suicide bombing targeting police officers in the Pakistani city of Peshawar has left at least 100 people dead and dozens more injured. The attack occurred during Friday prayers at a mosque, which is now believed to be the target.
The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has taken credit for the attack, declaring it part of their ongoing campaign against law enforcement in Pakistan. This is the deadliest terrorist incident to occur in Pakistan since 2014, when a series of bombings and shootings killed more than 150 people.
Following the attack, authorities have mobilized to search through piles of rubble for any survivors. With only partial information available so far, it’s likely that the death toll will continue to rise.
According to an earlier statement made to the media by the local press, between 300 and 400 police officers were present in the area at the time.
According to an earlier statement made to the media by the local press, between 300 and 400 police officers were present in the area at the time of the explosion. Pakistani officials have since stated that there are likely more casualties, with reports stating as many as 175 people may have died. Officials continue to search for survivors amid the rubble of the mosque.
The mosque was reportedly full at prayer time when the explosion occurred. It is unclear what caused the blast, but initial reports suggest it may have been a suicide bombing. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for such attacks in the past, and there is currently a heightened terror alert in Pakistan following recent bombings in other parts of the country.
Since the end of the truce, there have been a number of attacks on Pakistani police and security personnel.
Since the end of the ceasefire, there have been a number of attacks on Pakistani police and security personnel. In August, a suicide bomber attacked a police convoy in NWFP province, killing at least eight officers. In March, four officers were killed when gunmen stormed a police compound in Karachi. And just last week, three policemen were killed outside the city of Quetta while they were investigating a bombing. These attacks underscore the importance of maintaining security in Pakistan and underscoring that terrorism will not be tolerated.
During afternoon prayers, the blast at the mosque on Monday took place around 13:30 (08:30 GMT).
On Monday, a blast took place at the Ibn Sina Mosque in Islamkot, Punjab province. The explosion killed at least 10 people and injured more than 50 others. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the blast was caused by a suicide bomber. It is now being reported that up to 18 people may have been killed in the explosion.
The mosque is one of several places of worship that are located in close proximity to military installations in Pakistan. This has raised concerns over the extent to which terrorist groups are able to operate with impunity in the country.
Given the sensitivity of the location, it is likely that authorities will take some time before they determine whether this was an intentional act or a technical failure on the part of the bomber. Regardless, this attack will raise concerns about the security situation in Pakistan and underscore the need for greater cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies
