The Islamic State has take credit for a devastating explosion that occurred at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, resulting in more than thirty fatalities. The death toll increased to 36 on Saturday as some victims succumbed to their injuries in local hospitals.

The incident, which took place during prayer services on Friday, has raised concerns within the Indian security community as the Islamic State’s latest publication, al-Naba, issued a call urging members of the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to switch their allegiance to the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP).

Statement from the Islamic State

According to a statement from the Islamic State’s media outlet, Amaq, the explosion was a Fidayeen operation conducted by a member of the Islamic State in Pakistan Province (ISPP), which has been operational since 2019. Amaq reported that the attack resulted in over 200 casualties, a number that significantly exceeds the official Pakistani government’s acknowledgment of 36 deaths, with many others injured.

The suicide bomber has been identified as Saifullah Ansari, and Amaq shared an image of him taking an oath of allegiance, known as bayah. The communication from Amaq also highlighted that a significant number of Pakistani Shias have reportedly joined the pro-Iran ‘Zaynabiyoun brigade’ militia operating in Syria.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan issues denial

In response to the attack, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issued an official denial, rejecting any allegations of involvement. The blast, which took place at the Khadijatul Kubra mosque located in the Tarlai region, is marked as the most lethal incident in Islamabad since the 2008 bombing at the Marriott Hotel.

The timing of the explosion coincided with the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan, raising further concerns about security in the country. Analysts suggest that this attack may reflect the escalating sectarian tensions that have been brewing in Pakistan.

This incident follows a previous attack in January, for which ISKP claimed responsibility, resulting in the death of a senior Lashkar commander, Najibullah, in Bajaur district.

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