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Suicide bomber hits checkpoint in Pakistan
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January 30, 2010
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Suicide_bomber_hits_checkpoint_in_Pakistan



At least sixteen people, including two paramilitary soldiers, have been
killed today, and 25 people injured, after a suicide bomber attack on a
checkpoint in Khar, in the Bajur region of north-west Pakistan,
according to officials. Initial reports suggested that the bomber was in
a vehicle, and a local official states that the bomber was wearing a
suicide vest.

It is thought that the bomber detonated the vest when security forces
stopped him for a search at the checkpoint, situated in a marketplace.
After the attack, a curfew was imposed and all bazaars in the city shut
down. The bomber was said to be headed towards military barracks before
he was stopped.

Pakistani Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the bombing,
and expressed deep grief and sorrow, according to a statement issued by
his office. He called for an immediate inquiry. No group has claimed
responsibility for the attack, but government officials blame the
Taliban.

Pakistani forces have been attacking militants in the Bajur region,
which, close to the Afghan border, is suspected to be the hiding place
of Osama Bin Laden, as well as other al-Qaeda leaders. At least 24
suspected militants have been killed in the fighting, according to
government officials. 

In February 2009, the army announced that Bajur had been cleansed of
Taliban militants, following a ground offensive launched in October
2008. However, the situation is getting worse, with numerous attacks in
the last six months.

== Sources ==

* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8488888.stm
* http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-01/30/c_13157221.htm



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