Church suicide attack leaves at least 8 dead, 33 injured in Pakistan

World

Published: 2017-12-17 10:42

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 06:01


Around 300-400 usually attend the church’s Sunday service. (Scroll.in)
Around 300-400 usually attend the church’s Sunday service. (Scroll.in)

A suicide attack on a church in Pakistan left at least eight people dead and 33 others injured on Sunday.

The Bethel Memorial Methodist Church on Quetta’s Zarghoon Road was attacked on Sunday afternoon; the area has been cordoned off by police.

A rescue operation is underway at the church, while an emergency was imposed in all hospitals in Quetta, according to Geo News.

After the explosion, an exchange of fire reportedly ensued between security personnel and the second attacker.

While both attackers were suicide bombers, one of them was shot dead at the entrance of the church after both men stormed into the church, Home Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti told Geo News.

The second suicide bomber blew himself up inside the church, Bugti said, adding that both attackers were reportedly carrying weapons.

Bugti said that around 300-400 usually attend the church’s Sunday service.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal condemned the attack.

He tweeted: "Attack of terrorists on Zarghoon road church in Quetta is condemned. Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism cannot be deterred by these cowardly acts."