DID Press: Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has condemned the suicide attack on a mosque in Kohat, Pakistan, expressing regret over the deaths and injuries caused by the assault.
In a statement concerning Friday’s attack, AQIS said targeting people in mosques, markets and other public places—even those considered enemies—was “completely wrong” and said it opposed attacks in such locations.The statement comes after a deadly assault on a mosque near a police compound in Kohat on Sept.
Pakistani authorities said an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the mosque during Friday prayers, followed by an armed assault on the police facility. At least 21 people were killed and more than 100 injured, according to Pakistani officials cited by local media.
The attack was claimed by Ittehadul Mujahideen Pakistan, an alliance associated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur network, according to reports. Al-Qaeda’s relationship with the alliance has been reported as a suspected or alleged link, but AQIS’s statement condemning the attack does not by itself establish responsibility for the Kohat assault.