This Article is From Aug 15, 2009

Suicide attack in Swat, 3 soldiers killed

Suicide attack in Swat, 3 soldiers killed

AFP image

Islamabad:

A suicide bomber struck an army checkpost near Khwazakhela, a former Taliban-stronghold in Pakistan's northwestern Swat valley on Saturday, killing three soldiers and injuring four others.

The attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the check post. TV news channels reported that the blast killed three soldiers and destroyed the checkpost.

Continued incidents of violence have been a setback to Pakistan government's efforts to restore normalcy in the restive Swat valley as they are coming at a time when the army wants to wrap up its months-long military offensive.

Earlier reports had said there were no casualties among the security forces.

Troops immediately cordoned off the area and traffic was briefly stopped after the attack. Curfew was also imposed in Khwazakhela.

This was the second suicide attack in Swat since the military launched an operation against the local Taliban in May.

The Taliban have carried out attacks in cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, in retaliation to the military offensive.

The army is currently winding up its operations against the Taliban in Swat and other parts of the Malakand division. It claims nearly 1,800 militants were killed during the campaign.

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