Published On : Sun, Mar 15th, 2015

14 Killed, 70 Wounded in Suicide Attacks on 2 Churches in Pakistan

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Lahore/Nagpur:  Twin suicide bombings outside Christian churches in the Pakistani city of Lahore have killed at least 14 people and wounded nearly 70 others, authorities said.

Hospital officials say at least 30 of the wounded are in critical condition.

Witnesses said two gunmen tried to shoot their way into places of worship Sunday in a majority Christian suburb. When security guards stopped them at the gates, the attackers detonated explosives strapped to their bodies.

Officials say a militant group allied to the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The violence outraged Christians who later took the streets to protest against what they said was authorities’ failure to protect them.

There are reports of protesters ransacking government property in the city and torching vehicles.

Youhanabad – the section of Lahore where the attacks took place – houses nearly a million people and is one of the largest localities of minority Christians in Pakistan.