At least 30 worshipers were martyred while 50 others sustained injuries in a suicide bomb blast inside a mosque in Peshawar’s Kocha Risaldar area during Friday prayers, Geo News reported, citing health and police officials.
Police and rescue personnel have reached the blast site while the injured are being shifted to the nearby health facilities.
“10 injured are in critical condition,” according to a Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson.
According to eyewitnesses, the powerful explosion took place during the prayers.
In a statement to the media, Advisor to KP Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed that the explosion took place during Friday prayers.
“Reportedly the terrorists first tried to enter the mosque where they exchanged fire with the police,” said Barrister Saif.
He said that a terrorist managed to enter the mosque and carried out the attack.
Peshawar SSP Operations Haroon Al-Rasheed told Geo News that apparently it was a suicide attack.
“There were two security personnel deputed at the entrance of the mosque. One of them died during the exchange of fire while the other is seriously injured.”
Confirming the details, CCPO Peshawar Mohammad Ejaz said that two terrorists opened fire at the policemen and tried to enter the mosque.
“The blast took place after an attack on policemen.”
Source: Agencies
