Unknown gunmen attack bus in northwestern Pakistan, killing 18

2012-02-29 08:46:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

ABBOTABAD, Pakistan (BNO NEWS) -- At least 18 people were killed on Tuesday when unknown gunmen opened fire on a bus in the mountainous district of Kohistan in northwestern Pakistan, officials said.

The attack took place in Kohistan's Harban Naala area when the bus was on its way from the Gilgit-Baltistan region to Rawalpindi city. At least 18 persons were killed in the incident while eight others were injured, Pakistan Today reported.

The bus, carrying at least 26 Shiite passengers, was stopped before passengers were ordered off and executed at the scene. After the incident, the bodies and injured were shifted to nearby hospitals.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the attack. The president said the culprits would not be spared.

Police are investigating the incident. According to authorities, this is the first time an incident of this type had taken place in the area.

The Taliban has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Sectarian strife between Shiite and Sunni Muslims in Pakistan has intensified in recent years due to the Taliban's support for Sunni extremist groups.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-02-29

Ah, I see, Shiite passengers I guess that would make them 'suspected' infidels to the murderers.