ISLAMABAD:
Investigations into the suicide bombing at a mosque and Imambargah in Islamabad are ongoing, as shocking new details about the attacker’s movements before the blast have come to light.
According to security sources, the suicide bomber fired two shots on the way and six rounds inside the prayer hall before detonating himself. The attacker carried out the explosion inside the mosque hall using approximately four kilograms of explosive material.
Sources said the explosive device contained a large number of ball bearings, indicating an intent to cause maximum damage. The attacker reportedly travelled from Nowshera to Islamabad wearing the suicide jacket, using public transport.
Before reaching the target, he briefly stopped at a nearby hotel, then walked on foot from Khana Road towards the mosque.
Investigators revealed that the attacker had conducted reconnaissance of the mosque on February 2. Earlier, he had travelled to Afghanistan in May and returned in June. After returning from Afghanistan, he activated a new mobile SIM card in Bajaur, sources added.
It may be recalled that on February 6, a powerful suicide blast struck Imambargah and Masjid Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai area, resulting in the martyrdom of 33 people, while more than 150 others were injured.
Security agencies continue to investigate the incident from multiple angles to identify facilitators and possible cross-border links.