How does this bombing compare to previous major attacks in Islamabad?

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The February 2024 Mosque Blast is the Deadliest Attack in Islamabad Since 2008

A suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad on February 7, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people and injured 169, marking it as the most lethal attack in the capital since the 2008 Marriott hotel bombing. The Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility for this incident, which occurred during Friday prayers at the Imam Bargah Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque.
Deadliest Incident Since 2008 Marriott Bombing

The February 7 attack claimed the lives of 31 individuals and left 169 wounded. This death toll surpasses that of a previous significant incident in Islamabad: a suicide blast outside a court in November, which resulted in 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries. The last time Islamabad experienced an attack of this magnitude was in September 2008, when a suicide truck bomb at the Marriott hotel killed 60 people and severely damaged the building.
Nature of the Attack and Casualties

The mosque bombing occurred during Friday prayers, a time when such religious sites are typically crowded with worshippers. Reports indicate that the attacker detonated explosives at the mosque's gate after being confronted by volunteer security personnel. One worshipper described the explosion as "extremely powerful," and videos shared on social media, though unverified, showed numerous bodies and debris within the prayer hall and near the mosque's entrance.
Recent Trends in Insurgency Attacks

This bombing takes place amidst a backdrop of intensifying insurgencies in Pakistan's southern and northern provinces, which share borders with Afghanistan. While Pakistan is predominantly Sunni, Shiites constitute 10-15 percent of the population and have been frequent targets of attacks across the region. The attack on the Shiite mosque highlights the ongoing vulnerability of minority religious groups to extremist violence.

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How does this bombing compare to previous major attacks in Islamabad?

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