Quetta (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Armed men opened fire during a religious procession of Shiite Muslims in Quetta, Baluchistan (about 600 km southwest of Islamabad), leaving 8 people dead at least 25 civilians seriously wounded.

The attack occurred this morning just after news of the attacks against Shiites in Karbala and Baghdad was released. The attacks in Iraq occurred in some important Shiite mosques. Like pilgrims killed in Iraq Pakistani Muslims were celebrating Ashura, as well, a holiday in memory of the martyrdom of Mohammed's nephew, Hussein.

After the shootings Shiite Muslims went only violent rampage in the city, even setting shops ablaze. Local authorities immediately imposed curfew among the civil population.       

In Pakisatn, Shiites form 20% of the population, while Sunnis count for 75% of all citizens. Last July in Quetta a group of armed men entered a Shiite Mosque and killed 50 people praying inside. Warring tensions have existed for years between the two Muslim communities.

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• islam
• shiites
• sunnis
• attacks