An explosion occurred at a mosque in the southeastern part of Islamabad, triggering an alert among Pakistan’s security authorities.
According to initial reports, the blast took place at the Khadijat-ul-Kubra Mosque in the Tarlai area during Friday prayers. Al Jazeera reports at least 15 people killed and 80 injured, while concerns remain that the death toll could rise further.
“We have transported several people to hospitals. I cannot say at this moment how many have been killed, but yes, there are casualties,” local police officer Zafar Iqbal told the Reuters news agency earlier.
Rescue teams and security forces rushed immediately to the scene, cordoning off the area and providing assistance.
The explosion brings back memories of last November’s deadly attack, when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the entrance of the Islamabad district court complex, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more.
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