Suicide blasts hit Pakistan church

2013-09-22 334

At least 56 people were said to have died when two suicide bombers detonated their explosives at this church in the Pakistani city of Peshawar.

The victims included a number of children.

More than 600 parishioners were inside the church for a service on Sunday when the bombers struck.

Some witnesses blamed security forces for their ability to cause so much bloodshed.

(SOUNDBITE)(Urdu) HAROON SARDAYAL, WITNESS, SAYING:

"This was a security lapse," (THIS MAN SAYS). "This was a lapse because during prayers they don't even let Christians enter. How did the suicide bombers come in so freely? This attack took place after prayers. This attack happened because of the negligence of security officials."

More than 100 people were reported to have been wounded in the explosions.

The church is in a busy market area of Peshawar.

Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for minorities.

Sunni Muslims frequently bomb targets t