Breaking – Pakistan mosque blast death toll rises to 100
The death toll in the Pakistan mosque blast has risen to 100 confirmed deaths.
The attack on the mosque was aimed at police officers in the area in the city of Peshawar.
The mosque was based within a high-security zone, where there is believed to have been 300 to 400 officers stationed – and an investigation is underway into how the bomber got into the secure area.
Rescue teams have been searching through the rubble in search of life, they have pulled out nine people alive and believe no one else alive remains trapped in the rubble.
The attack is one of Pakistan’s bloodiest in years. More than 50 people remain wounded and some of them are in a critical condition.
A Pakistani Taliban claiming to have carried out the bombing was later denied by the militant group, which blamed it on a splinter faction.
“Terrorists want to create fear by targeting those who perform the duty of defending Pakistan,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He declared a national day of mourning.
