Pakistan: Suicide Bombers Attack Gov't Offices In Peshawar, At Least 5 Killed

[News_Editor]

Pakistan: Suicide bombers attack gov't offices in Peshawar, at least 5 killed < br />

2013-02-19 11:53:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Two suicide bombers on Monday attacked a government office in northern Pakistan, killing at least five people, as the country prepares for elections, officials said.

The attack took place at the office of a senior government administrator in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attackers were reportedly uniformed as paramilitary police force members, known as Levies.

According to the district bomb disposal chief, Shafqat Malik, the first suicide bomber detonated the explosives at the gate, and the second blew himself up inside the control room of the main office, the Express Tribune reported. However, some witnesses said they had seen three attackers. A heavy exchange of gunfire was also reported during the incident.

Malik said the assailants were carrying up to 8 kilograms (17.5 pounds) of explosives. Among the fatal victims were four security officials and an elderly civilian. In addition, medical officials at the Lady Reading Hospital said seven people were being treated with serious injuries.

The reason of the attack remains uncertain, although some suggested militants were trying to free prisoners. Investigations continue, but no group or terrorist organization has claimed responsibility of the attack.

The attack comes as Pakistan is preparing to hold elections in May.

On Saturday, over 80 people were killed and almost 200 others injured when a powerful bomb blast targeted Shiite Muslims at a crowded market on the outskirts of Quetta, the largest city and provincial capital of Balochistan. Police said an estimated 800 to 1,000 kilograms (1,760 to 2,200 pounds) of explosives were used during the attack in a neighborhood dominated by Hazara Shittes who are commonly targeted by extremist Sunni groups.

The Sunni militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, which was the worst in Quetta since two suicide bombers blew themselves up inside a crowded pool bar in Quetta on January 10. The attack, also claimed by LeJ, killed at least 93 people and wounded more than 120 others.

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