100 militants killed in response to Sehwan shrine attack, claims Pak Army

Islamabad [Pakistan], Feb. 18 (ANI): The Pakistan Army on Friday claimed that it has launched a nationwide crackdown, killing over 100 militants across the country in response to the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar's shrine suicide attack that claimed the lives of more than 100 people. "As ordered by COAS last night, response to recent terrorist incidents is in progress across the country. Following actions have been undertaken; IBOs and combining operations are in progress across the country including Punjab. Over 100 terrorists have been killed since last night and sizeable apprehensions also made," Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement. It said that the Pakistan- Afghanistan border has been closed since last night after the army claimed to have found linkages to militants operating from across the border. "There are linkages of support for these incidents from across the border. The border has been closed since last night due to security reasons. No cross border / unauthorised entry will be allowed to Pakistan from Afghanistan," the statement said. According to the Express Tribune, the Islamic State group (IS) claimed the attack, that took place in Sindh's Sehwan town. Assistant Superintendent of Police in Sehwan said that a suicide bomber entered the shrine through its Golden gate. The attacker blew himself up after throwing a grenade, which failed to explode, he said. The explosion took place in the area where dhamaal (a Sufi ritual) was being performed after evening prayers. A large number of devotees, from across the country, frequented the shrine on Thursdays as it is a popular day to visit Sufi shrines. Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has also directed that immediate assistance be provided to civil authorities. Army contingents have been dispatched along with medical personnel. The shrine is dedicated to Syed Muhammad Usman Marwandia, a 12th century Sufi who was born in Marwand, present day Afghanistan. (ANI)