Pakistan blast kills at least 74; wounds 150

A mosque in a Pakistani police compound was partially destroyed Monday in a blast that killed at least 74 and wounded more than 150. Police said that more than 300 worshippers were praying in the mosque, with more approaching, when a suicide bomber set off his explosives vest. Rescuers are still searching for people in the rubble. 

Has anyone claimed responsibility? A commander from the Pakistani Taliban, known as TTP, initially made statements that the blast was “revenge” for the death of a TTP militant last year. But hours later, a TTP spokesperson distanced the group from the bombing, saying it was not its policy to target mosques or religious places. Pakistan has designated the TTP as a terrorist group. The group has been trying to take over the government and enforce strict Islamic laws since 2007. In November, it ended a monthslong cease-fire agreement with the government forces.

Dig deeper: Read A.S. Ibrahim’s column in World Opinions on what’s happening in Afghanistan now that the Taliban has taken over.