Pakistan militants getting bolder

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The bombing near Pakistan’s army garrison in Rawalpindi where President Pervez Musharraf has an office shows the militants are getting bolder, a report said.

The suicide bombing Tuesday less than half a mile from Musharraf’s office killed the attacker and seven others and injured several more, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Authorities suspect the attack was the work of Islamic militants, who have been brutalizing Pakistan’s tribal areas, especially targeting the military with several troops killed. It came in the wake of an Oct. 18 bombing in Karachi in which about 140 died during the homecoming of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from her exile.

The Times report said the brazen Rawalpindi attack raised more concerns as the country is convulsed by the rising Islamic militancy.

The report said it was not clear if the bombing was directed against Musharraf, who has been a target of three assassination attempts in the past.

A spokesman said Musharraf will not be deterred from fighting the militants or from cooperating with the United States in the campaign against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

Bhutto, who will contest elections in January, also is determined to visit Rawalpindi next week despite the latest bombing, her aides said.