BREAKING: Four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the deadly mosque bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan, which claimed the lives of 31 people and injured 169 others during Friday prayers. The arrests were confirmed by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi earlier today, as authorities intensify their crackdown on those responsible for this horrific attack.
The bombing occurred at a Shiite mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad on February 3, 2023, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vest amidst a crowded worship service. The Islamic State has since claimed responsibility for the attack, marking it as one of the deadliest in over a decade in Pakistan’s capital.
During the raids to capture the suspects, a counterterrorism officer was killed, and three others were injured, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups in the region. Among the arrested is an Afghan national, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack. Naqvi stated that while the suicide bomber was not originally from Afghanistan, he had made multiple trips to the country.
In a controversial statement, Naqvi alleged that India funded the attackers, a claim that India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly dismissed as “baseless.” In response, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif suggested that the Afghan government may have had some involvement in facilitating the attack. Afghan officials, however, refuted these claims, calling them “regrettable” and lacking credible evidence.
The tragic event has triggered a wave of mourning across Islamabad, with large crowds gathering as families prepare for funerals. This bombing follows a series of violent incidents, including a recent attack in Balochistan that killed 58 people. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for those attacks, underscoring the escalating violence in the region.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are ramping up security measures in Islamabad and surrounding areas, aiming to prevent further attacks as the nation grapples with this latest tragedy. The implications of these arrests and ongoing investigations will be closely monitored, as Pakistan faces increasing challenges from extremist groups.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as officials continue to provide more information on the investigation and the measures being taken to ensure public safety.
