Peshawar, Pakistan - An armed standoff between rival Muslim groups ended Saturday after two days of violence that killed 38 people and injured dozens in northwestern Pakistan, a top police official said.
Shiites and Sunnis began fighting three days ago after a suicide bomber killed 19 Shiites observing Ashoura, the most important holiday in the Shiite calendar.
Shiites retaliated by burning shops and cars and fighting with Sunnis. At least 38 people — both Sunnis and Shiites — died in the suicide attack Thursday and the subsequent clashes.
"Peace has been restored," said Ayub Khan, the police chief in Hangu.
Some residents in Hangu — about 60 miles south of Peshawar — said that six more people died Friday night in fighting on the outskirts of the town, but Khan said he could not confirm the deaths.
The two sects generally live in peace together in Pakistan, but extremists on both sides, who regard the other sect as heretical, often launch attacks.
Ghani ur-Rahman, the town's top administrator, said troops and police were patrolling in Hangu to prevent any further violence.
Violence has erupted in the past during Ashoura, which marks the 7th century death of Imam Hussain, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Hussain's death in a battle fueled a rivalry between Shiites and Sunnis over who should succeed the prophet.