29 Shiite Worshippers Killed in Pakistan

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29 Shiite Worshippers Killed in Pakistan

QUETTA, Pakistan - Armed men opened fire on Shiite Muslim worshippers during a religious procession in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 150, authorities said. The city's mayor declared a curfew.


An explosion and gunfire rang out in a congested area of Quetta, the main city in southwest Baluchistan province, as hundreds of Shiite Muslims marking the Muharram holiday passed by, officials said. Authorities were trying to determine the source of the explosion.

Soon after, a Sunni Muslim mosque, a television network office and several shops were set afire as Shiites rioted in parts of the city, and a shootout occurred near the scene of the initial attack, police said.

Qamar Zaman, an assistant police inspector in Quetta, said 29 people were confirmed dead and more than 150 were injured. Two senior federal government officials speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the death toll.

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29 Shiite Worshippers Killed in Pakistan