At least 45 people were killed and over 100 injured in a suicide attack in Pakistan’s tribal Bajaur Agency on Christmas Day, officials said on Saturday.
“We can confirm 45 deaths and the toll may increase as several people are badly wounded. The bomber was a female,” a security official at the site said, adding the suicide bomber detonated her suicide vest in front of the office of the World Food Program (WFP) in Khar, the HQ of Bajaur Agency.
There were 300 to 400 people waiting for rations outside the WFP office when the woman, who appeared to be in her 20s, hurled a hand grenade and then detonated her explosive vest near the crowd, local media said while quoting levies personnel present there. As a result, 43 people, including three children, were killed and 72 others sustained serious injuries. The incident took place about 8.40 am (Pakistan time). Rescue teams, local administration and Army personnel shifted the injured and bodies to Agency Headquarters Hospital where an emergency was declared. Hospital sources said the injured were flown to Peshawar on Army helicopters and that the death toll could rise as some victims were in critical condition. Security forces and levies personnel cordoned off the area and started a search operation. No group had claimed responsibly for the suicide bombing when reports last came in.
The political administration said 600 to 700 people come daily to the WFP distribution point for rations.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the attack. PM Gilani deplored the loss of precious lives. He said the war against terror should be taken to its logical end and militants would not be spared at any cost. He directed that the injured be provided the best health facilities.
Around 4,000 people have died in suicide and bomb attacks across Pakistan since government forces raided a mosque in Islamabad in 2007. The attacks have been blamed on networks linked to the Taliban and Al Qaeda.