Indo-Pak tensions mount amid Lahore claims

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Taliban officials claimed responsibility for a Wednesday attack in Pakistan in contrast to official Pakistani allegations against Indian intelligence agencies.

A report by Pakistan's daily The News said Toofan Wazir, described as a commander of the tribal group Ansar Wa Mohajir, took credit for a Wednesday attack in Lahore. The group operates in the volatile Waziristan region.

A truck bomb detonated in Lahore Wednesday as Christian families were traveling for Christmas celebrations, killing one woman and wounding four others.

The commander said the bombing was an act of revenge against the American and Pakistani governments for their activity in the region.

Pakistani officials had originally claimed the attack was coordinated by intelligence officials in the Indian government, pointing to detained "secret agents" who were captured along with fake documents and explosives.

Pakistani officials rarely point to Indian involvement in domestic attacks, blaming al-Qaida elements, Taliban supporters or other regional militant groups, the independent Long War Journal said Friday.

The Pakistani allegations come amid tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations in the wake of the November attacks in Mumbai that left at least 173 people dead and more than 300 injured.

Indian officials Friday warned citizens against traveling to Pakistan, while Pakistani troops had moved to the border with India to guard against any ground invasion.