RELIGION

Attack on bus carrying Shiites in Pakistan kills 4 women

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A Pakistani police commando stands guard outside a tent during Shiite Muslims' congregation during the mourning month Muharrum in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Authorities are taking extra precautionary measures to avert any terrorist attempt during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, which is observed around the world for ten days of mourning in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) (The Associated Press)

Pakistani police officers stand guard outside a mosque during Shiite Muslims' congregation during the mourning month Muharrum in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Authorities are taking extra precautionary measures to avert any terrorist attempt during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, which is observed around the world for ten days of mourning in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) (The Associated Press)

Pakistani police say gunmen have killed four women in an attack on a bus carrying members of the country's Shiite minority in the southwestern city of Quetta.

Police spokesman Shahzada Farhat says another woman and a man were wounded in Tuesday's attack. Farhat says the attackers fled the scene on motorcycles and that police have launched a search operation.

No one claimed the attack, but the Lashker-e-Jhangvi group has claimed similar attacks on Shiites in the past. Sunni Muslim extremists view Shiites as apostates deserving of death.

Pakistani authorities had heightened security across the country to protect Shiites during the month of Muharram, when they mourn the 7th century martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.