A suicide bomber blew himself up in southwest Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Friday at a religious gathering to make the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, 9News Nigeria reports.
Blasts ripped through two mosques killing at least 57 during the religious gathering to mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday in Pakistan.
The first blast took place in Balochistan province, where a suicide bomber detonated himself near a police vehicle close to Madina Mosque. The explosion claimed the lives of 52 individuals.
The second blast occurred in the neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in the collapse of a mosque roof and trapping around 30 to 40 people under the rubble. This blast claimed the lives of five people.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far. Both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces have experienced militant attacks in the past, with militant groups aiming to overthrow the Pakistani government and establish their own strict Islamic rule.
The Balochistan blast is particularly significant as it targeted civilians, whereas militant attacks in recent years have primarily targeted security forces.
The Pakistani government has been facing a surge in militant attacks since the breakdown of a ceasefire with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2022.
The TTP, an umbrella organization of hardline Sunni Islamist groups, has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Pakistan since its formation in 2007. However, the TTP has denied involvement in the recent blasts.
The attacks highlight the challenges faced by Pakistani security forces in ensuring the safety of citizens, especially as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for January.
More than 40 people were killed last July in a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a religious political party’s gathering.
The government will likely intensify its efforts to combat militant groups and maintain security in the wake of these tragic events.
By 9News Nigeria world news
