4 killed in blast in northwest Pakistan

Four persons were killed and three others injured today when members of an anti-Taliban militia were targeted with a roadside bomb on the outskirts of Peshawar city in northwest Pakistan.

The bomb was triggered by remote control as a vehicle with several members of the anti-Taliban militia was passing through Mattani area outside Peshawar, the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Four members of the militia were killed instantly, police officer said. Three others were injured in the attack. The blast occurred near a private school.

Army soldiers and paramilitary forces cordoned off the area as ambulances ferried the wounded to nearby hospitals. This was the second bomb attack in Mattani in five days.

A bomb planted in a passenger van on June 5 killed seven persons.

The Taliban have repeatedly attacked members of a pro-government militia in Mattani area, where residents have supported action against militants.

In March, at least 37 people were killed and more than 40 injured when a suicide bomber targeted the funeral of the wife of a pro-government tribal elder.