Taliban claims responsibility for Karachi suicide attack

Karachi: Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan commander Asmatullah Shaheen, whose name figures on the list of Pakistan's 20 most wanted militant leaders, took responsibility for the suicide attack on Shiite Muharram procession in Karachi on Monday, which left over 40 people dead.

Shaheen of the Bhitani tribe, is a rival of pro-government militant leader Turkistan Bhitani. He had joined the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan when it was headed by Baitullah Mehsud who was killed in August in a US drone attack. Shaheen has never publicly taken responsibility for any attacks.

Hasnain Mawya, was identified by the Taliban commander as the suicide bomber who detonated his suicide jacket amidst a procession on the Shia holy day of Ashura.

The Taliban have been blamed for several bombings across Pakistan that have been said to have killed over 500 people since October, which is when the army launched a major offensive against militants in Waziristan tribal region.

Rioting and violence causing loss of life and property in Karachi, was the immediate aftermath of the suicide bombing. Shaheen claimed the attack was carried out to "protect the honor of the companions" of Prophet Mohammed.