29 March 2016

News Story: Pakistani forces launch anti-terror drive after bomber killed 72

ISLAMABAD, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces have launched operations in parts of eastern Punjab province where a suicide bomber killed at least 72 people and injured 315 others at a crowded park, the army said Monday.

A Pakistani Taliban splinter group "Jamaat-ul-Ahrar" claimed responsibility for the attack in Lahore Sunday evening and its spokesman said minority Christians were its target. Christians were at the park to celebrate Easter.

Police officials, however, said 44 were Muslims among those killed.

The security forces conducted operations in some major cities in Punjab hours after the blast.

"Intelligence agencies with Army & paramilitary 'Rangers' carried out 5 operations in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan in Punjab since last night. Operations continue with more leads coming in," the army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Asim Bajwa said.

Read the full story at Xinhua