3 days ago
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An explosion ripped through the mosque during prayers.
10:26, Sat, Feb 7, 2026 Updated: 10:57, Sat, Feb 7, 2026
The scene of the explosion (Image: X)
Five suspects have been arrested following an explosion at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday. Reports suggest the attack at Tarlai Mosque in the nation’s capital was committed by a suicide bomber who ran into the busy temple before detonating.
The attack killed 33 people and injured dozens more, although the exact number of casualties is not yet known. According to local outlet ARY News, local police have already made three arrests in connection with the attack. One of the men is said to be an ISIS-affiliated Afghan national who is thought to have planned the leader of the plot against the mosque. Security sources say the others arrested are said to be "facilitators".
Hundreds took to the streets to pay their respects to the dead (Image: Getty)
The arrests came within a day of the attack after Pakistani security forces conducted raids in the nearby cities of Peshawar and Nowshera.
The security sources claim the man behind the plot was trained and indoctrinated by ISIS terrorist cells in Afghanistan before he moved into Pakistan.
Authorities are continuing to investigate potentially terrorist links. ARY news also reported that two brothers of the bomber and four more individuals were brought in for questioning after the blast. Authorities claim the men were close to the bomber and will continue to be interrogated.
A special investigation from the Counter Terrorism Department has been tasked with tracking down anyone else involved in the planning of the attack, including any current and former hideouts.
More than 30 people were killed in the attack (Image: Getty)
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A seperate raid also took place at the attackers home address where more arrests were made.
Asif Ali Zardari, the country's president, called the attack a "crime against humanity".He added: "The nation stands with the affected families in this difficult time."
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a full investigation as officials determine whether it was a suicide mission. He said: "Those who are responsible must be identified and punished."
Two anonymous police officials said the suspect was stopped at the gates of the mosque before they set of a bomb.
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