Suicide Bomber Kills 50 at Pakistani Mosque

At least 50 people were killed and another 80 wounded in a suicide bombing at a popular mosque in Northwestern Pakistan today, in one of the year’s deadliest attacks. The mosque was probably targeted because it is a frequent meeting place for the leaders of the local anti-Taliban militia, local officials tell the AP. It’s located in the Darra Adam Khel area, which is famous for its illegal weapons trade.

The blast hit during afternoon prayers, and was powerful enough to cause the roof to collapse. “The blast tossed me up” in the air, said one school teacher. “Later, it was just like a graveyard.” Victims had to be rushed to the hospital in Peshawar, some 21 miles away. The provincial information minister called the terrorists “beasts,” saying they were likely responding to Pakistan’s crackdown on the tribal regions. (More Pakistan stories.)