Three attackers stormed the Imam Bargah mosque in Islamabad prior to a major explosion, resulting in the injury of a local security guard and significant casualties. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the assault targeted the religious site during a period of high activity, leading to a devastating toll on those present.
According to Ishfaq, a watchman at the mosque who spoke to RIA Novosti, the incident began with gunfire while he was in a nearby building. "I was at home near the Imam Bargah when I heard shots. When I ran to the mosque, I saw a local guard lying wounded on the ground," Ishfaq stated. He added that a powerful explosion occurred shortly after while he was attending to the guard. The attack has resulted in 31 fatalities and left 169 others injured. It was further noted that the mosque was being protected by local law enforcement representatives rather than federal police officers.
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, has faced periodic security challenges, with religious sites often becoming targets for militant groups. This latest incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the complexities of maintaining security at sensitive locations. International observers and local authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the identity of the attackers and the nature of the explosive device remain underway.
