QUETTA: At least two persons were killed and five others injured when some unknown gunmen opened fire at the entrance of a church in the provincial capital on Sunday.

According to police sources, the gunmen, riding a motorcycle fired at the people coming out of the church in Essa Nagri neighbourhood after attending the Sunday service. The Islamic State group’s local franchise claimed responsibility for the attack in Quetta, the SITE intelligence group said.

As a result, Samuail and Azhar died on the spot and four others received bullet wounds, who were shifted to Bolan Medical Complex (BMC).

The bodies of the deceased were later handed over to the heirs. Two of the injured were identified as Amanu Iqbal and Mehvish.

Law enforcement agencies including Frontier Corps and police cordoned off the entire area to trace out suspects.

Meanwhile, the community members staged a protest demonstration against the attack. They blocked the Brewery Road near Golimar Chowk.

Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo in a statement strongly condemned the firing incident. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and directed Inspector General of Police Balochistan to arrest the culprits. He also directed the health department to provide complete treatment facilities to the injured.

Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti also condemned the attack and said those involved in the incident would not be spared.—APP