A Pakistani security official displays explosives next to the body of the attacker at the mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad on August 9, 2013.
Pakistani security guards have foiled a potentially devastating attack on a Shia mosque located on the outskirts of the capital, Islamabad.
This comes after the guards shot and killed an attacker who attempted to force his way into a Shia mosque on the edge of the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Friday.
The militant intended to target worshippers who were praying on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Local security officials say the anti-Shia bomber was killed before he could set off his explosives.
Å“A suicide bomber targeted a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad in Bhara Kahu area but could not explode himself due to timely interception by a private security guard,” police officer Nasir Mehmood said, adding, Å“The guard opened fire on the bomber as he entered the mosque and killed him. He could not explode his jacket.”
Local media reports say at least one guard was killed and two others injured in an exchange of fire with the bomber before he was shot dead.
The latest attack comes at a time when the country is grappling with growing wave of violence and militancy.
No group or person has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, but pro-Taliban militant groups have been blamed for such attacks in the past.
The pro-Taliban anti-Shia groups have launched a violent campaign against the Shia Muslims across Pakistan.
Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has witnessed several instances of violence directed against the Hazara Shia community in recent months.
Several Shia religious gatherings have also been targeted in central province of Punjab and southern province of Sindh over the past months.
Shia Muslims in Pakistan say the government must take decisive action against the forces involved in the targeted killings. They also accuse Islamabad of failing to provide security for the Muslim community.
The countryâ„¢s Shia leaders have called on the government to form a judicial commission to investigate the bloodshed.
Shias make up about one third of Pakistanâ„¢s population of over 180 million.
JR/SS
Republished from: Press TV