At least 26 people, a majority of them security personnel, were killed in three attacks by the local Taliban in Pakistan’s troubled northwest on Saturday.
ISLAMABAD: At least 26 people, a majority of them security personnel, were killed in three attacks by the local Taliban in Pakistan’s troubled northwest on Saturday even as security forces shot dead over 40 militants in clashes in the same region.
The latest spurt in violence, which came after two massive suicide bombings carried out by Taliban in the country this week, posed a fresh challenge to the new Pakistani leadership which is still engaged in political squabbling after the resignation of Pervez Musharraf as President.
A suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a police station in Charbagh, about 10 km from Mingora, the main town of Swat district, this morning. Paramilitary troops were also deployed at the police station in Charbagh, which has witnessed violent attacks by militants in the recent past.
Ten people were injured in the blast, which also damaged nearby shops and houses. Curfew was imposed in the region following the explosion. Muslim Khan, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman in Swat, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.
Militants also targeted a police check post at Aboha in Barikot sub-district with a remote-controlled bomb, killing three persons, including two children who were playing in the area. In yet another incident, three policemen were killed when the van they were travelling in was targeted by militants with automatic weapons and rockets in Manglore area of Swat. The driver of the vehicle was injured in the ambush.
Over 30 Taliban were killed in fierce fighting with the security forces in Kabal sub-district of Swat, TV channels quoted army officials as saying. The Taliban also blew up a police post and two bridges in Kabal.
The security forces are currently conducting operations against the local Taliban in the Swat valley of the North West Frontier Province.
The troops also gunned down 10 militants in Bajaur tribal agency, reports said. The suicide bombing was the third such attack in Pakistan this week.
A total of 78 people were killed when three suicide bombers blew themselves up outside a ordnance factory complex in Wah cantonment, about 50 km from Islamabad, on Thursday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Wah.
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