UPDATE: Four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the devastating mosque bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan that claimed 31 lives and injured 169 people. The arrests were confirmed by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on February 7, 2023, amidst a growing wave of violence that has rocked the capital.
The bomb attack occurred during Friday prayers at a Shiite mosque located in the Tarlai area of Islamabad. A suicide bomber entered the mosque and detonated an explosives-laden vest while the worshippers were gathered, marking the deadliest attack in the city in over a decade. The Islamic State has since claimed responsibility for the brutal assault, heightening fears of escalating violence in the region.
Naqvi revealed that among those arrested is an Afghan national believed to be the mastermind behind the bombing. During the operation to apprehend the suspects, one counterterrorism officer was killed, and three others sustained injuries. The Pakistani defense minister, Khawaja Asif, suggested potential links between the Afghan government and the bombing, a claim that officials in Afghanistan have labeled as lacking credible evidence.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and mourning across Pakistan, with large crowds gathering on Saturday to honor the victims. As funeral preparations begin, tensions rise as accusations fly between nations. Naqvi has alleged that India funded those behind the attack, but India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed these claims as “baseless,” emphasizing the need for unity against terrorism.
The bombing follows a series of violent incidents in the region, including a separate attack in Balochistan that killed 58 people. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for those assaults, leading to retaliatory strikes by Pakistani forces that reportedly killed around 200 militants.
This latest wave of violence raises urgent questions about security in Pakistan and the potential for further attacks. Authorities are on high alert as investigations continue, and the nation collectively mourns the tragic loss of life. As the situation develops, citizens and officials alike are calling for swift justice and enhanced security measures to prevent future tragedies.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
