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Suicide attack on Pakistani security forces convoy kills 10

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 20, IRNA

Pakistan-Suicide attack

At least 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on a convoy of security forces in the country's tribal region on Saturday, state television reported.

Witnesses said the attack was carried out near Naurak, a village 15 kilometers from Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan.

An army spokesman Major Murad Khan confirmed the attack on convoy but did not say anything about the number of casualties.

Khan said that a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car with the convoy of the security forces, heading to Bannu, a major city near the tribal region, from Miranshah.

Several soldiers were also injured in the attack.

The injured were flown in helicopters to military hospital in Bannu. Some injured are stated to be in critical condition, medical sources said.

Witnesses said that besides 10 security men, two civilians were also killed in the attack.

The attack destroyed several vehicles, witnesses said.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, a major in the area in eight months.

The authorities suspect local Taliban may be behind such attacks.

Witnesses said that the security forces started heavy firing after the suicide attack to keep the people away from the site. They also blocked the main road between Bannu and Miranshah.

In another incident, US drone also fired missiles in a village in North Waziristan region on Saturday, locals said. The missiles were fired near a patrol station, which caught fire after the strike.

Locals said that American spy planes were conducting flights before the missile strike, latest in the series of attacks over the past few weeks.

Missiles strikes from U.S drones in Waziristan tribal region have increased in recent days, souring relations between the two countries.

Strikes are continued despite Pakistan's protest and a recent assurance by the US army chief Mike Mullen.

Attacks on security forces were stopped since local Taliban signed a peace deal with the local authorities in North Waziristan in February this year. But the US missiles strikes have again created tension in the area.