Suicide attack kills three Pakistani paramilitary soldiers

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Nov 8, IRNA -- A suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the headquarters of the paramilitary forces in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, killing three security officials, police said.

The bombing also injured 21 other people, including soldiers, a police officer told reporters.

Blaze erupted inside the building of the Rangers force in North Nazimabad area of Karachi, the country's commercial center under the grip of target killings in recent weeks.

Injured rangers told the media that it was a suicide attack. They said that they saw a vehicle hit the main gate of the building at around 6:55 a.m. when they were preparing for the duty.

The powerful explosion destroyed the walls of the headquarters and damaged the building's structure, a section of which has collapsed. Parts of the building had caught fire, which the fire brigade has put out. The blast also caused damage to several nearby buildings.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred at a time when Karachi is hosting an international defence exhibition in the city. Over 100 foreign and local companies have displayed weapons and machinery in the exhibition. Prime Minister opened the event on Wednesday.

It is the second major attack on the security forces in Pakistan in two days.

A suicide bomber struck the vehicle of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Wednesday and killed eight people, including a senior officer.

President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the suicide attack at Rangers Headquarters in Karachi. He expressed his sympathies and sorrow on the loss of lives in the incident.

The President directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment to the injured. He reiterated commitment of the government to continue fighting the menace of militancy.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 80406512