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Pakistan church attack: Suicide bombers storm church and detonate explosives as congregation worships Pakistan church attack: Suicide bombers storm church and detonate explosives as congregation worships
(35 minutes later)
Two suicide bombers have stormed a Christian church in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least four people. Two suicide bombers stormed a Christian church in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least five people and wounding up to 16 before being stopped by police guards. 
Sarfaraz Bugti, home minister for Baluchistan province, said hundreds of worshippers were attending services at the church in Quetta city ahead of Christmas. The gunmen, who were wearing vests filled with explosives, attacked the church in Quetta city when Sunday services had just opened.
He said one attacker was killed at the entrance to the church while the other set off his payload inside. Sarfaraz Bugti, home minister for Baluchistan province, said hundreds of worshippers were attending the church ahead of Christmas. 
Police officer Mohammad Atiq said police and army troops had surrounded the church and were exchanging fire with the attackers. He said one attacker was killed at the entrance to the church, while the other set off his payload inside. 
More follows Police guards at the church exchanged fire with the attackers before they could enter the main sanctuary, said provincial police chief Moazzam Jah.
"There were nearly 400 people inside the church, but the attackers couldn't get inside the services," Mr Jah said.
"We killed one of them, and the other one exploded himself after police wounded him."
Mr Jah said the church had guards because Christian places of worship are often targeted by Islamist extremist groups
Local television showed ambulances and security patrols racing to the scene, while women and children were being led out of the church's main gate. 
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Muslim extremists have targeted Pakistan's Christian minority in the past. 
Mohammad Faisal, a spokesman for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attack. 
 "Attack of terrorists on Zarghoon road church in Quetta is condemned. Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism cannot be deterred by these cowardly acts," he wrote on Twitter. 
Additional reporting by agencies