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Condemnations of Pakistan mosque blast

Last updated (GMT/UTC): 19.08.2011 11:24

The United States and the United Nations have condemned the suicide bomb attack at a Pakistani mosque that has left at least 48 people dead and scores of others wounded.

The blast, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, occurred as prayers were being offered August 19 at the mosque in Jamrud, a town in the Khyber northwestern tribal region that shares border with Afghanistan.

Reports say the suicide attacker appeared to be a teenage boy.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But reports quote officials as saying local tribesmen (Kokikhel) opposed to Taliban activity in the region may have been a possible target.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a written statement, said the "slaughter of worshipers as they gathered at a mosque for Ramadan's Friday prayers underscores the brutality of those who would target civilians during a time of celebration and reflection for Muslims throughout the world."

The statement pledged that the United States will "continue to stand with Pakistan against those who seek to undermine democracy and freedom."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that he was "appalled at this deliberate attack at a place of worship during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and the reported use of a teenager to perpetrate the attack."

compiled from agency reports

Link to original story on RFE/RL website

Topics: Terrorism, Muslim,