Seven killed in suicide attack in Pakistan

A suicide bomber on Friday struck a check post near a strategic air force complex in Pakistan's Punjab province, killing at least seven persons and injuring a dozen others in the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks targetting the security forces.

The bomber walked up to the first check post outside the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex within the cantonment in Kamra in Punjab and detonated his explosives when security guards stopped him, police officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.

A witness said he had seen several bicycles lying on the road at the site of the blast though nearby structures did not appear to be damaged. Security forces cordoned off the area soon after the blast this morning. No other details were immediately available.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack though finger of suspicion pointed at the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which has carried out a wave of audacious attacks and suicide bombings over the past two weeks in reprisals for ongoing military offensive in South Waziristan. Most of these attacks have targeted the security forces.

Unidentified motorcycle-borne gunmen yesterday killed a Brigadier serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan and a soldier in Islamabad, while twin suicide bombings at the International Islamic University earlier this week killed six persons. Militants have also targeted the UN food agency's office in Islamabad and security facilities across the country, including the army's headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistan Army launched a major ground offensive against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakimullah Mehsud's network in South Waziristan about a week ago. Over 100 militants and 18 soldiers have died in fierce fighting so far.