25 worshippers, 30 Taliban militants killed in two separate incidents in Pak

Lahore, Sept 11 : In a fresh spate of killings in Pakistan, at least 25 civilians were killed and 50 injured in a grenade-and-gun attack in a mosque in the Maskanai area of lower Dir, and Pakistani security forces claimed to have gunned down at least 30 Taliban militants in the Bajaur tribal agency.

According to the Daily Times, unidentified militants threw hand grenades in the Sunni mosque in Banai village situated less than three km from the Afghan border during Taravih prayers and fired at the worshippers.

According to a local official, the extremists hurled three grenades into the mosque and hit the last two rows of the congregation. "It is a blatant act of terrorism," he said while ruling it out as a sectarian attack.

It is being described as a rate attack in Dir district, which has a majority of Sunni Muslims.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility so far, even as law-enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and beefed up security after the attack.

Separately, in Bajaur Agency, Pakistan military troops backed by tanks and heavy artillery attacked Taliban militants killing 30 on the spot. One security official was quoted as saying: "Troops pounded artillery and used fighter jets to target militant hideouts.

Key Taliban strongholds Loyesam, Charmang and Tangkhatta are under the control of security forces, who are setting up check-posts in the areas."

According to sources, the militants clad as women tried to attack the marching troops, but the attack was repulsed.

ANI