Taliban-claimed Shiite attack kills 5, injures 90 in Pakistan

PanARMENIAN.Net - A bombing claimed by the Taliban killed at least five people and wounded some 90 others at a Shiite religious procession in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, November 25 police said, as the minority Muslim sect observes the annual Ashoura holiday, AP reported.

At least 30 have now died in five attacks on Shiites claimed by the Pakistani Taliban over the past five days, while about 100 were wounded in the run up to the holiday, which commemorates the 7th century death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. The schism between Sunni and Shiite Muslims dates back to that time.

Sunday's explosion went off as hundreds of Shiites were passing through the main intersection of the city of Dera Ismail Khan, area police official Abdul Sattar said. An initial investigation suggested a bomb was planted near a shop along the procession route, he added.

Several of injured are in serious condition, said local hospital official Dr. Faridullah Mahsud, adding that three members of a paramilitary unit providing security were among the injured. Mahsud confirmed the five deaths.

The Pakistani Taliban, a Sunni extremist group, frequently attacks Shiites, who they consider heretics. Ashoura ceremonies are a prime targets, since they draw large crowds that march in processions to mourn the martyred Imam Hussein.