At least 59 killed in Suicide bombing at mosque in Pakistan

WORLD, Jan. 31 (YPA) – At least 59 people have been killed and 157 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a crowded mosque inside a mosque in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, Pakistani media reported.

Most of the dead were police officers, according to a spokesman for a Peshawar hospital where victims of the attack were treated.

A suicide bomber standing in the first row behind the imam detonated explosive vests as worshippers, including many policemen and other officials, had gathered for afternoon prayers at the Police Line Mosque on January 30.

Dozens of the wounded were transferred to nearby hospitals, a police officer said.

Several of them were in critical condition, the officer said, raising fears that the death toll might rise further. One hospital official said 10 to 15 people were in critical condition.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

E.M