Suicide attack at Shia madrassa kills 14 in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber blew himself up in Gulshan Colony, Peshawar, killing 14 and leaving 32 injured, 

The Hussaini Madrassa in the area was the target of the blast. The interior of the madrassa was destroyed. There were around 40 people inside the madrassa at the time of the blast.

The madrassa has the capacity to hold up to 80 people. People inside the madrassa were preparing for Friday prayers at the time of the blast.

A rescue operation was conducted. The injured were shifted to a nearby local hospital and security forces sealed the affected areas.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain condemned the attack.

Police sources said the bomber was shot at when he tried to enter the madrassa through the main entrance along with his two accomplices. The bomber managed to enter the madrassa through a second gate and blow him up, while the other two escaped.

The bomber was reportedly 22 years old. Police officials gathered body parts for further investigation.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack as yet.