9 killed in Pakistan blast

DHAKA: A suicide bomb attack has killed at least nine people in north-western Pakistan, officials say.

The blast went off at the entrance to an anti-Taliban commander’s compound in Kurram, part of the tribal regions which border Afghanistan, reports the BBC.

The compound is used by a local militia and also contains residential units.

Pakistan’s military has been carrying out operations against militant groups in the tribal regions for months.

Three children were among the dead, tribal police officials told media.

At least 15 people were injured.

The compound belongs to a militant commander, Mullah Nabi, who split from the Pakistani Taliban.

He has been involved in clashes in the past with other commanders loyal to the Taliban.

The bomber tried to enter the guest quarters in Nabi’s compound, tribal police official Amjad Khan.

When the bomber was challenged by guards outside, the explosives were detonated, he said.

BDST: 1603 HRS, JUL 21, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor