A suicide bomber struck a religious procession for Shi'ite Muslims in northwest Pakistan Thursday morning during that sect's most important religious holiday. Local authorities in Hangu, Pakistan have reported that at least 22 people were killed in the blast with dozens more injured.
Hundreds of Shi'ites were gathered in the local bazaar just after they had prayed in the adjoining mosque when the bomber struck according to local police. They were celebrating the holiday of Ashoura which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Muhammad. After Hussein's death, Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims split over who should lead the faithful.
Angry Shi'ites responded to the bombing by burning shops and cars in and around the bazaar area before the army was called in to restore order. The army also imposed a curfew on the town in an attempt to minimize sectarian violence.
A local security official told reporters that some of the dead were killed during gunfights between Shi'ites and Sunnis after the bombing took place.
Police had been prepared for possible violence during the Ashoura holiday. Worshippers have been attacked in processions throughout Pakistan in recent years. The country has a Sunni majority and Shi'ites have faced angry mobs. Unfortunately, the police precautions did not prevent the bombing.
Shi'ite cleric Allama Mehdi Najfi, speaking from the southwestern city of Quetta told the Associated Press, 'This attack has spread anger among our people throughout the country, but I appeal them not to clash with any member of other sects.'
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed condemned the attacks on behalf of the government.
'This is a conspiracy to trigger clashes between Sunnis and Shiites. No Muslim can do this thing. Whoever has done this thing is a terrorist,' he said.
Police remain on high alert in an attempt to prevent further sectarian violence.
