Pakistan: Suicide bomb attack by Taliban in Christian locality in Lahore kills 5, injures 40

Lahore: At least five persons were killed and 40 others injured when Taliban suicide attackers targeted two packed churches during mass on Sunday in Pakistan’s biggest Christian neighbourhood in Lahore, the capital of Punjab. [caption id=“attachment_2154863” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AFP[/caption] The attackers targeted Roman Catholic Church and Christ Church in Youhanabad area during Sunday mass, causing stampede as panicked worshippers ran to save their lives. At least five persons, including policeman, were killed in the blasts. About 40 people, including women and children, were injured in the blasts. The injured were rushed to Lahore’s General Hospital. Initial reports suggested that two suicide bombers carried out the attack, Dawn reported. One young man, alleged to be involved in the attack, was beaten to death by the enraged mob which then set his body on fire. Two suspects have been arrested from the blast sites. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan splinter group Jamatul Ahrar claims responsibility for Sunday’s attack. Youhanabad is Pakistan’s biggest Christian locality, housing at least one million people. The minority communities in Pakistan have long been the target of attacks by the extremist and militant groups. In 2013, twin suicide attacks were carried out at the All Saint’s Church in Peshawar’s Kohati Gate area, killing 80 and wounding over 100 others. PTI