20 Aug 2011

Dozens killed in blast at Pakistan mosque

4:10 pm on 20 August 2011

More than 40 people have been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque in north-western Pakistan.

A government official said at least 47 were killed at 70 wounded in the suicide attack carried out by a teenage boy during Friday prayers.

The attack was carried out in the Ghandi area of Jamrud in Khyber Agency, one of the seven tribal districts along the Afghan border.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but officials suspected Taliban militants who have been active in the tribal area for some years.

The mosque is located in an area inhabited by tribesmen opposed to Taliban activity, who have been fighting to push them out of their region.

Pakistan has seen a wave of violence in recent years in which thousands of people have been killed.