Fatal Explosion During Friday Prayers Takes Lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Synopsis
A suspected suicide bombing during Friday prayers at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akhora Khattak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, led to multiple fatalities and injuries. Initial reports suggest a targeted attack on religious leader Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani, with the casualty count expected to rise as investigations continue.
Key Takeaways
- Fatalities from the attack numbered at least five.
- Over a dozen individuals are critically injured.
- Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani was a main target.
- Darul Uloom Haqqania is a significant religious institution.
- Possible involvement of ISKP or Daesh in the attack.
Islamabad, Feb 28 (NationPress) A tragic incident has led to the loss of several lives and left many injured in a suspected suicide bombing during Friday prayers at Darul Uloom Haqqania located in the Akhora Khattak region near Nowshehra city, within Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
According to preliminary reports, the suicide bomber detonated himself in the main hall of the mosque just as the prayers were concluding.
Residents in Akhora Khattak informed IANS that at least five fatalities have been confirmed, with over a dozen more sustaining injuries. The casualty count is anticipated to increase, as many congregants were present during the explosion.
“At least five individuals have perished, and over 12 are currently in critical condition. Senior religious figure Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani has also suffered severe injuries in the blast,” reported Zulfiqar Hameed, Inspector General (IG) of Police for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Medical sources indicate that the number of casualties may escalate, with the majority of the injured being admitted in critical condition.
Additional reports from Akhora Khattak suggest that more than 24 attendees of the mosque have sustained serious injuries due to the explosion.
Initial inquiries indicate that the suicide bomber specifically targeted Maulana Hamidul Haq, a senior leader of the religious political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Samiul Haq (JUI-S).
Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akhora Khattak is one of the largest and most influential religious institutions in Pakistan, hosting thousands of students and known for its support of the Afghan Taliban and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The late Maulana Samiul Haq, founder of JUI-S, was a prominent supporter of the Taliban and was assassinated at his residence in Rawalpindi in November 2018.
Darul Uloom Haqqania is recognized as a foundational training ground for many TTP and Afghan Taliban leaders.
No group has claimed responsibility for the recent attack yet, but it is speculated that the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) or its affiliate, Daesh, may be behind the incident.
