Members of the Christian community rampaged through the streets of Lahore on Sunday after suicide bombers attacked two churches during morning services, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 70.
The Pakistani Taliban took credit for the attacks, reviving concerns that the Islamist militant group will increasingly target religious minorities in a bid to further divide Pakistanis and distract them from ongoing military operations against extremists.
According to police, at least two assailants tried to strike inside Catholic and Protestant churches in a predominantly Christian neighborhood of Lahore and were stopped by worshipers or security personnel. But the suicide bombers still detonated their explosives, causing heavy damage to St. John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church, which is affiliated with the Church of Pakistan.
Most of the casualties occurred at the Catholic church, where as many as 1,000 worshipers were inside. Speaking from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis condemned the violence and called on Christians around the world to support the victims. Full story...
Related posts:
The Pakistani Taliban took credit for the attacks, reviving concerns that the Islamist militant group will increasingly target religious minorities in a bid to further divide Pakistanis and distract them from ongoing military operations against extremists.
According to police, at least two assailants tried to strike inside Catholic and Protestant churches in a predominantly Christian neighborhood of Lahore and were stopped by worshipers or security personnel. But the suicide bombers still detonated their explosives, causing heavy damage to St. John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church, which is affiliated with the Church of Pakistan.
Most of the casualties occurred at the Catholic church, where as many as 1,000 worshipers were inside. Speaking from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis condemned the violence and called on Christians around the world to support the victims. Full story...
Related posts:
- Hindus, other minorities in Pakistan face surge of violence...
- Pakistan's islamist militia have declared war on the country's Christians...
- 'Sentenced to death for being thirsty': Christian woman tells of moment she...
- Pakistani Christians burned alive were attacked by 1,200 people...
- Christian couple beaten to death for 'desecrating Quran'
No comments:
Post a Comment