US says 'horrific' Pakistan mosque attack 'indefensible'

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Monday sharply condemned a suicide bombing that struck a mosque in Pakistan, killing at least 59 people and injuring scores more.

"Worshipers at a mosque in Peshawar endured a horrific attack today, which killed and injured many," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter. "Terrorism for any reason at any place is indefensible. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims."

At least 59 people, including policemen, were killed and over 150 injured on Monday in northwestern Pakistan when a suspected suicide bomber blew himself up during midday prayers in a mosque.

Mohammad Asim, a spokesman for Lady Reading Hospital in the city of Peshawar, where the blast victims were taken, said that of the 157 people being treated for wounds sustained during the blast. "some" are injured critically. The deceased included several senior police officers and the imam or prayer leader. The mosque is located inside a police compound.

The Pakistani Taliban's mother organization, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told Geo News that the suspected bomber was standing in the front row of the mosque and blew himself up as soon as the prayers began.