Pakistan hunts militants behind suicide bomb attack in Lahore
(VOVworld)- Pakistani authorities launched a manhunt on Monday for militants behind a suicide bomb that killed at least 72 people in an attack that targeted Christians and was claimed by a Taliban faction that has declared ties to Islamic State.
Pakistan hunts militants behind suicide bomb attack in Lahore- Photo: Times daily |
Most of the victims of the bomb attack at a park in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday evening were women and children enjoying an Easter weekend outing. Military spokesman Asim Bajwa said it’s necessary to bring the killers of innocent brothers, sisters and children to justice. Officials said at least 72 people were killed and about 300 wounded. The death toll was expected to rise. A faction of the Pakistani Taliban called Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack, and issued a direct challenge to the government.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attack, calling it an "appalling" act of terrorism. The Vatican also decried the bombing, calling it "fanatical violence against Christian minorities." The White House denounced the apparent suicide attack as "cowardly" and pledged to work with Pakistan to defeat those who terrorize the country. Leaders from Turkey, India and Indonesian have sent condolence messages to families of the victims.