100 Dead and Over 225 Wounded in Suicide Bomb

On Monday, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb within a crowded mosque located inside a police compound in Peshawar, Pakistan, causing the roof to collapse, as reported by CNN.

This attack resulted in the death of at least 100 people, including many police officers, with more than 225 others suffering injuries. It is unknown to authorities how the bomber gained access to the highly secured walled compound, which housed the police headquarters.

Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander for the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), took credit for the attack via a tweet. However, hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani denied any involvement with the bombing, citing that it is not their policy to target mosques, seminaries, or religious buildings. He warned that anyone who takes part in such an act would face severe repercussions. He did not elaborate on why the TTP commander had taken credit for the bombing.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed disbelief towards the immense human suffering caused by the bombing in Peshawar, describing it as an attack on Pakistan. He said, “Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan.”

During his visit to the wounded, he promised to take stringent measures against those accountable for the attack. The president sympathized with the victims’ families, saying their anguish was beyond words.

The death toll has risen to t least 100 people killed and 225 injured when the bomber, who had been among the worshippers, detonated himself, according to Sky News. Authorities believe that the number could rise as rescuers continue searching the rubble.

On Monday, the bombing at a Sunni mosque within a police facility caused a devastating loss of life and is among the most severe attacks on security personnel in recent history.

At the time of the explosion, an estimated 300 worshippers were present. Zafar Khan, a police officer, noted that many worshippers were hurt when the roof caved in, and rescuers had to move considerable amounts of rubble to access those still trapped.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry expressed sadness and grief over the loss of life and injury caused by the explosion in a mosque in Peshawar. They strongly condemned such attacks against those who were praying, emphasizing that it goes against the teachings of Islam.

The Saudi Embassy in Islamabad firmly denounced the attack, and the U.S. Embassy also expressed its solidarity with Pakistan adding, “The United States stands with Pakistan in condemning all forms of terrorism.”

In a tweet, ex-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan referred to the bombing as a “terrorist suicide attack.” He wrote, “My prayers & condolences go to victims’ families. It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.”