Homeland Security

At Least 30 Killed in Quetta Mosque Blast
VOA News
04 Jul 2003, 13:55 UTC

Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta has been placed under curfew after an explosion at a Shiite Muslim mosque killed at least 30 people and Shiite mobs took to the streets to protest.

Reports from the region say the attackers entered the mosque, fired indiscriminately at the worshippers and lobbed an explosive device before fleeing. At least 50 worshippers were injured. One attacker was injured and captured after guards opened fire. Angry crowds of Shiites took to the streets, fired shots into the air and burned vehicles and tires.

Paramilitary troops were brought in to control the situation. Crowds started dispersing after loudspeakers were used to announce the curfew. There was no immediate claimed of responsibility for the attack, which was the latest against Pakistan's Shiite Muslim minority. Such attacks are usually blamed on radical groups from the country's Sunni Muslim majority.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, in Paris on a visit, condemned the killings and said he will have to act very strongly against the culprits. He said it is unfortunate that some Pakistani elements are undermining what Pakistan stands for.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.