Suicide attackers kill dozens at mosques
Islamic militants attacked two mosques packed with hundreds of worshippers in Pakistan today killing more than 70 people and wounding dozens.
At least seven attackers, including three suicide bombers, took part and several people were held hostage.
The attacks in Lahore against the Ahmadi community illustrate the threat minority religious groups face in Pakistan where sectarianism has been exacerbated by the violent rise of the Sunni extremist Taliban and al Qaida movements.
Ahmadis are reviled as heretics by mainstream Muslims for their belief that their sect’s founder was a saviour foretold by the Koran. The group has experienced years of state-sanctioned discrimination and occasional attacks by radical Sunni Muslims in Pakistan, but never before in such a large and coordinated fashion.
The attacks took place in the Model Town and Garhi Shuha districts of Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city and one of its politically and militarily most important.
The assault at Model Town was brief, with at least 20 people killed.
Several miles away at Garhi Shahu, the standoff lasted hours.
One attacker climbed the minaret of the mosque, firing an assault rifle and throwing hand grenades.
Outside police traded shots with the gunmen.
Inside, attackers were suspected of holding hostages.
Lahore’s deputy commissioner Sajjad Bhutta said at least seven attackers were involved in the two attacks. Three of them at Garhi Shahu exploded their suicide vests when commandoes stormed the mosque.
