34 Killed in Twin Blasts in NW Pakistan

Posted June 11th, 2011 at 7:05 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

Authorities in northwestern Pakistan say the death toll from twin bombings in the city of Peshawar late Saturday has reached at least 34.

Local authorities say more than 90 people, including several journalists and police, were wounded in the explosions. They cautioned the death toll could rise as many wounded people are in critical condition.

The first blast was relatively small and drew police, rescue workers and onlookers to the site. Minutes later, a large explosion carried out by a suspected suicide bomber rocked the area causing the casualties.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack but Taliban militants have vowed to avenge the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces in northern Pakistan last month.

The explosions came hours after Afghan President Hamid Karzai and CIA Director Leon Panetta visited Islamabad. Mr. Karzai called on Pakistan to eradicate militant safe havens from tribal areas along the Afghan-Pakistani border, while Panetta discussed ways to strengthen future intelligence sharing.