Explosion kills 9 in SW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 6 (KUNA) -- At least nine people lost their lives and around 30 others sustained injuries on Saturday when a huge explosion targeting security forces' vehicle took place in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, officials said.
The blast targeted a security forces' vehicle near premises of the heavily guarded Quetta district courts. Provincial Home Secretary, Akbar Hussain Durrani confirming the casualties in a statement said that four FC personnel have been killed in the blast, while the remaining five are locals.
"We cannot ascertain right now whether it is an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or a suicide bomb attack," said Durrani.
Security forces cordoned off the scene and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals of the city.
According to local media, banned group Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack. Last month, a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a polio vaccination center in Quetta, killing at least 15 people, mainly police personnel. (end) sbk.rk