BREAKING: Four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the deadly bombing at a mosque in Islamabad that left 31 dead and injured 169 during Friday prayers. The arrests were confirmed by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who revealed that one of the suspects is an Afghan national believed to have orchestrated the attack.
The bombing occurred on February 7, 2023, at a Shiite mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, where a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vest amidst a crowded congregation. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this tragic event, marking it as one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in over a decade.
During the investigation, the suspects reportedly killed a counterterrorism officer and injured three others. Naqvi asserted that the suicide bomber was not originally from Afghanistan but had made multiple trips to the country before the attack. This assertion adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing security challenges facing Pakistan.
As the nation mourns, large crowds gathered in Islamabad on Saturday to pay their respects to the victims, preparing for funerals. The emotional toll of this tragedy has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced security measures.
In a controversial claim, Naqvi suggested that the attackers were funded by India, a statement that India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly dismissed as “baseless.” Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at possible involvement by the Afghan government, which Afghan officials have rejected, calling the accusations “regrettable” and lacking “credible evidence.”
The bombing comes on the heels of a series of violent incidents, including a November attack in Islamabad that killed 12 and injured 27, and multiple attacks in Balochistan that resulted in 58 fatalities. In response to the escalating violence, Pakistani forces conducted retaliatory raids, reportedly eliminating an estimated 200 Balochistan Liberation Army militants.
As authorities continue their investigation, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional security and international relations. The public is urged to remain vigilant as more updates unfold in this rapidly developing story.
