47 dead after explosion in Pakistan mosque

An explosion in Pakistan has killed 47 worshippers at a mosque on the Muslim sabbath

An explosion in Pakistan has killed 47 worshippers at a mosque on the Muslim sabbath. At least Another 52 people have been wounded as the blast shattered a Shiite Muslim mosque in Quetta.

Shiite Muslims angered by the attack rioted in Quetta's streets, burning cars and tires.

Some witnesses claim the strike was carried out by two suicide bombers, while others said attackers threw grenades into the building, where an estimated 2,000 worshippers were gathered for Friday prayers. One man is in police custody.

No-one has claimed responsibility for the attack. It is the latest in several against Pakistan's Shiite Muslim minority, usually blamed on radical groups from the country's Sunni Muslim majority.

READ MORE

Gunfire could be heard as small mobs later gathered near the mosque and lit fires. Paramilitary rangers were deployed to restore order, police inspector Shaoib Suddle said.

Police also implemented a curfew on Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. There was no indication when it would be lifted.

One man was in police custody in connection with the attack, Mr Suddle said. It wasn't immediately clear how the suspect was linked to the explosion.

AP