Explosion in Pakistan's Punjab province kills 11

LONG WAR JOURNAL.org ^ | July 13, 2009, 3:32 pm | Bill Roggio

[Cindy]

An explosion at what appears to be an extremist training camp for children in Pakistan's Punjab province has killed 11 people and wounded more than 120.

A massive explosion in the town of Mian Channu in the Khanewal district in northern Punjab province leveled at least 25 homes. More people are thought to have been trapped in the rubble.

Seven children and one woman are among those reported killed, and another 12 people are said to be in critical condition.

The blast occurred at the home of a local cleric named Hafiz Riaz, who is said to conduct informal religious training for children. "This was not a formal madrassah but children used to come to get a religious education," a Punjab provincial cabinet minister told AFP.

But the large explosion, the huge blast crater, and weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a suicide vest, and a hand grenade found at the blast site indicate Riaz was running a terrorist training camp. Police detained three men after the explosion.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/07/explosion_in_pakista.php#ixzz0LDhtVWA8&C

[Cindy]

ping

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

The blast occurred at the home of a local cleric named Hafiz Riaz, who is said to conduct informal religious training for children. "This was not a formal madrassah but children used to come to get a religious education," a Punjab provincial cabinet minister told AFP.

Kinda like Islamic CCD? Funny, I don't remember any weapons or suicide belts.

[R. Scott]

But the large explosion, the huge blast crater, and weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, a suicide vest, and a hand grenade found at the blast site indicate Riaz was running a terrorist training camp.

Such a fine, peace loving cleric - and so considerate of the children around him.