Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Suicide bomber kills five in Pakistan's Swat: police

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, July 16, IRNA -- A suicide bomber killed at least five and injured 45 others in Pakistan's restive Swat valley on Thursday, a senior police officer said.

District Police Chief, Qazi Ghulam Farooq said the bomber, on foot and wearing an explosives-packed vest, wanted to target a convoy of security forces in Mingora, the main city in Swat.

He said the bomber exploded the bomb, stripped to his body, at a crowded bus stand, shortly after the army convoy was passed.

No one from the army convoy was hurt and all those killed and injured, including women and children, were civilians, the police officer said.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the authorities put the blame on suspected militants.

The attack happened at a time when peace festivals are being organized in Swat valley, the tourist spot in Pakistan, after the troops killed and expelled the militants from the region.

The army launched major offensive against the Taliban-linked militants in Swat in 2009.

The Thursday blast has raised concerns that the militants are still present in Swat who are also involved in target killings of pro-government personalities.

Farooq said that several guests who came to Swat for participation in peace festival were killed and injured in the attack.

The blast destroyed several vehicles and smashed windows in nearby shops.

Police and troops rushed to the blast site, sealed the road and also imposed curfew in the city to launch search operation for other suspects who have facilitated the bomber.