DHAKA: A bomb ripped through a market area in a northwest Pakistan tribal town near the Afghan border on Saturday, killing at least 25 people and wounding over 50, DawnNews reported.
‘The death toll is 25’, from the blast in the main bazaar of Landi Kotal in Khyber tribal district, local administration chief Mutahir Zeb told media, adding more than 30 were injured. Hospital officials confirmed the toll.
The blast took place in the main bazaar of Landi Kotal in Khyber tribal region, local administration official Arshad Khan said.
Khan said the blast appeared to be aimed at members of the pro-government Zakha Khel tribe, who oppose a local warlord.
After the blast, a cylinder exploded in a bakery resulting in a huge fire that reportedly led to more casualties.
Nobody claimed responsibility but militants have carried out several attacks in the area.
Pakistan is on the frontline of the US-led war on al Qaeda and Taliban militants, who Washington says use the semi-autonomous tribal areas as a global hub.
Since July 2007, a Taliban-led insurgency concentrated in the northwest has been fighting against the government.
In the last five years, attacks blamed on militants have killed more than 5,000 people according to an AFP tally.
BDST: 1622 HRS, JUN 16, 2012
Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor
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