23 Shiite Pilgrims Killed in Taftan Attack
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - At least 23 Shiite pilgrims returning from Iran were killed and several others injured when heavy armed militants attacked their buses in the city of Taftan in Pakistani province of Balochistan near the Iranian border.
Four terrorists were also killed in the joint-operation of Police and Levies paramilitary troops.
According to Levies sources, the attack occurred at on Sunday night when eight buses carrying Shiite pilgrims stopped at a hotel in Taftan.
Equipped with hand-grenades and pistols, four masked assailants rushed into the hotel and resorted to indiscriminate shooting. They also hurled hand-grenades as the hotel building was badly damaged.
“As soon as the pilgrims came out of the buses to go to the hotel first a group of militants first opened indiscriminate fire on them and also threw hand grenades before rushing into the hotel and taking refuge there,” Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, told reporters.
The Pakistani home minister said that at least 23 pilgrims lost their lives in the attack while 30 others sustained injuries. The dead and injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, Pakistan Tribune reported.
Some of the injured are said to be in extremely critical condition and causality toll is likely to rise. Banned outfit Jaish-ul-Islam has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Shiite Ulema Council, Tahfuz-e-Azadari Council, Majlis-e-Wahdiat-ul-Muslemenn, Jafria Alliance have announced to observe three-day mourning against the attack.
Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of precious lives.
Balochistan Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik and Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai have directed the security forces to provide protection to pilgrims.
