At least 10 people died in twin suicide attacks in city’s southern suburb of Youhanabad, the Dawn daily reported Sunday. The death toll is expected to rise even further.
The outlet reported that a Taliban splinter group, Jamatul Ahrar, claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings. On Thursday, the group announced it was rejoining Pakistani Taliban after splitting from it and pledging allegiance to Islamic State extremist group last summer, Sputnik reported.
“I rushed towards the spot and saw the security guard scuffle with a man who was trying to enter the church. After failing, he blew himself up… I saw his body parts flying through the air… The guard died as well,” one eyewitness was quoted as saying.
Victims were immediately hospitalized, while rescue teams and emergency services were deployed on site.
Meanwhile, protesters have gathered in the Christian-majority suburb following the blasts, claiming insufficient security measures prior to the terror attacks and demanding accountability from authorities. Police fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
The enraged mob has reportedly seized one of two suspects arrested near the blast site, beating him to death and setting his body on fire.
