At least 50 killed, 100 wounded after explosion in Pakistani mosque

[News_Editor]

At least 50 killed, 100 wounded after explosion in Pakistani mosque

2010-11-05 20:30:32 GMT+7 (ICT)

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least 50 people died and another 100 were injured after a bomb on Friday blasted a mosque located in the northwestern region of Pakistan, local officials said.

Shahid Ullah, district administration chief of Kohat, confirmed the number of victims, saying that the death toll would likely rise. The explosion occured inside a mosque in the Darra Adam Khel town of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

"More than 100 are wounded and most of them are in a critical condition and have been taken to hospital," Ullah added.

The bomb exploded following Friday prayers at the mosque as

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the bomb blast, expressing deep shock and grief over the incident. The leaders committed to fighting terrorism until their complete elimination. Gilani went on to describe terrorists as enemy of the state and people.

The U.S. also condemned Friday's suicide blast.

"By attacking a place of worship, whoever was responsible has demonstrated a clear lack of disregard for the Pakistani people and for the peaceful religion they practice," the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan said.

"The United States will continue to work with the government of Pakistan to combat violent extremism and terrorism. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were touched by this tragedy."

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