20 killed as Taliban storms Shia mosque in Peshawar

[Valin]

The Hindu:

February 13, 2015

 

At least 20 people were killed and over 50 injured when Kalashnikov-wielding Taliban suicide bombers stormed a crowded minority Shia mosque in Pakistan’s restive northwest during Friday prayers, opening fire and exploding bombs, in the latest sectarian attack to hit the country in recent times.

 

The attack comes exactly two weeks after a suicide bombing inside a packed Shia mosque in Pakistan’s Sindh province during the Friday prayers killed 61 people, including children, in the deadliest sectarian attack to hit the country in recent times.

 

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack at the Imamia Masjid Imambargah in the posh Hayatabad area here where worshippers had gathered for the ‘Zuhr’ afternoon Friday prayers.

 

The Imambargah is situated close to several government buildings, including the local passport centre and the Federal Investigation Agency offices.

 

At least three explosions and gunfire was heard.

 

So far, 20 people have been killed and over 50 others have been injured, hospital sources said.

 

(Snip)