The Afghan Taliban has condemned the attack on a military-run school in north-west Pakistan, which has killed at least 132 students.
"The intentional killing of innocent people, children and women are against the basics of Islam and this criteria has to be considered by every Islamic party and government," said Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. "Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their love[d] ones."
At least 141 people, including 132 students have been reported dead so far. The death toll is set to rise.
The Pakistani Taliban or Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack saying it “selected the army's school for the attack because the government is targeting our families and females… we want them to feel the pain”.
Leaders across Pakistan condemned the attack with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif saying,
"This is in retaliation of our military operation against the terrorists. The government together with the army has started Zarb-e-Azb and it will continue until the terrorism is rooted out from our land."
Zarb-e-Azb is the name of the military operation against TTP being carried out in North Waziristan. Soon after Pakistan’s army chief of staff, General Raheel Shariff, said that “massive air strikes” were being launched in retaliation.
The attack has also drawn international condemnation with US President Barack Obama saying the “United States condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s horrific attack.” Obama went on to “reiterate the commitment of the United States to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he had spoken to Sharif over the phone, saying that India was “ready to provide all assistance”.
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