Pakistan blast kills at least 40

Published: Oct. 25, 2007 at 2:31 PM

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- An ammunition cache explosion in a northern Pakistani valley killed at least 40 people, including 30 Pakistani security personnel.

The explosion, which came one day after Pakistan increased the number of troops in the area to improve security, took place in a truck of the Frontier Core, a paramilitary organization operated by the Pakistani government, KUNA, the Kuwait News Agency, reported Thursday.

Some police sources said the explosion may have been triggered by a suicide bomber setting off a device near the truck.

Sources said about 15 shops were destroyed by the blast and dozens of people were wounded, many of them critically.

The blast followed the start of an operation that brought more than 2,000 troops to the northwest Swat region to enforce security where pro-Taliban militants are gaining strength.

The new paramilitary troops will help set up barricades and checkpoints in the region, Voice of America reported.

Pakistani military spokesman Maj. Gen. Wahid Arshad said the forces will provide security and ensure "this band of criminals is taken to task and they are prevented from terrorizing innocent people there."

© 2007 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints




Additional News Stories
2 alleged drug gangsters, 5 cops arrested (8 min)
Jack Straw: No ban on burkas in Britain (22 min)
China jails quake activist (24 min)
European Parliament approves commission (31 min)
Chemicals vanished in clerical error (33 min)
COL BKB: Purdue 76, Michigan State 64 (35 min)
NBA: Denver 127, Dallas 91 (37 min)
fark
Georgia man arrested with $1.6 billion in phony Treasury notes. Authorities became suspicious upon...
If you're 62 years old, you shouldn't go sledding. But if you do, don't strap a homemade rocket...
You know how you have to break in to a store because all of the doors are locked? The same rules...
Armed robbery suspect who continually threatened to kill employees described as 'nicely dressed'...
Photoshop this dapper gentleman on a loopy couch
Teacher hits student with clipboard. Student allegedly sustained bodily injury, shock, and injury...