18 Killed In Firing, Blasts In Rawalpindi Mosque

RAWALPINDI: Officials have confirmed ten casualties in firing and blasts hit a mosque close to army headquarters here Friday, reported.

Many security personnel were also among dead while 45 people were wounded when armed men attacked a mosque, the channel said.

According to details, the attackers entered the Parade Lane Mosque – situated near Qasim Market of Westridge area, soon after Jumma prayers and opened indiscriminate firing on the faithful gathered in the mosque. They also hurled hand grenades, eyewitnesses said.

A suicide bomber also blew himself up during the attack resulting the heavy toll of casualties and injured, it was reported.

Two attackers were killed in retaliation by the security guards deputed at the mosque, the channel reported citing police officials.

Police and army troops arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area soon after the firing while more contingents of law enforcers were summoned at the scene. Helicopters engaged in aerial surveillance were also seen hovering over the incident site as it was feared that few of the attackers have escaped the scene .

Footage shows several ambulances entering in a heavily-fortified installation surrounded by army troops and policemen.

Tags: 18 Killed, blasts, Firing, Rawalpindi Mosque