The Islamic State group (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Shia mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 others, Pakistani officials said.
According to ISIS, the attacker opened fire on mosque guards before detonating a suicide vest. The explosion occurred during Friday prayers, and officials warned the death toll could rise.
The attack has drawn condemnation from several countries.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, saying that targeting innocent civilians is a crime against humanity.
The US embassy in Islamabad also condemned the attack, saying Washington would continue supporting Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security and remained committed to cooperation to advance stability. The embassy said the United States stands with Pakistan “at this difficult moment.”
Iran’s ambassador to Islamabad, Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, described the bombing as a terrorist attack and expressed sympathy with the victims’ families.
The Taliban also condemned the attack, calling it “contrary to Islamic and human values.”
