A+ A-

Death tally in suicide attack in Pakistan reaches 50, over 120 wounded

ISLAMABAD, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- More than fifty people, including pro-government tribal elders, were killed while over 120 others were wounded in two suicide attacks afternoon in Pakistani bordering tribal agency of Mohamand, said officials Monday Both of the explosions took place inside the office of the agencys Political Agent in Ghalnai district.
Security sources told KUNA that a delegation of pro-government tribal elders and members of tribal peace committee was inside the office for a meeting with the political administration when the explosions took place.
Two suicide bombers, camouflaged in government uniforms, arrived at the office on a motorcycle.
A local senior government official Amjad Ali Khan talking to newsmen, telecasted live on local news channels, said that the first bomber was stopped at the main entrance gate by the guards. When people gathered around them, he said, the bomber blew himself up. Only few seconds later, he said further. another suicide bomber exploded himself up.
Amjad Khan said that the second explosion inflicted more casualties. The Information Minister of northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, said that the explosions killed more than fifty people and wounded over 120 others.
Security sources said that the killed included at least four tribal elders and peace committee members. They said it was a huge explosion that has badly damaged the Ghalnai headquarters, where the political agents office is located. Sources feared further rise in the death toll as several of the wounded were in critical condition.
The explosions have come as the military is preparing to launch a fresh offensive in North Waziristan tribal agency next month and the displaced people have started returning to South Waziristan, Bajaur and Orakzai tribal agencies. (pickup previous) amn.gta KUNA 061516 Dec 10NNNN