US condemns attack on Sherpao Mosque in Pakistan

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Washington, Dec 22: The United States has condemned yesterday's suicide attack at a mosque in Jamia Masjid Sherpao in the Charsadda District of Pakistan, which killed and injured many innocent people during the Eid al-Adha holiday. ''We send our condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Pakistani people.

Violence for political gain is never justified, and is even more disturbing during such a special holiday in the Islamic faith,'' the State Department said in a statement. The statement added that ''terrorists continue to use violent tactics to foster fear and limit freedom. Those responsible for the attack have demonstrated that they lack any compassion, humanity, or respect for faith.'' According to reports, at least 50 people were killed when a suicide attacker detonated a powerful bomb inside a mosque in northwest Pakistan, apparently targeting former Home Minister Aftab Sherpao. Mr Sherpao was unhurt, but his son and dozens of others were injured.

Yestrdays's bombing was the deadliest attack in Pakistan since October, when twin suicide bombings killed 139 people at a parade to welcome formerly exiled opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Over the past year, Islamic militants have repeatedly targeted the Pakistani army and top officials in the government of President Musharraf, a key ally in the US-led war on terror.

UNI