PAKISTAN: Militants attack army checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwest leaving at least 31 people dead

Record ID: 353790

  • Title: PAKISTAN: Militants attack army checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwest leaving at least 31 people dead
  • Date: 2nd February 2013
  • Summary: POLICE TAKING NOTE AT HOSPITAL VARIOUS OF RELATIVES OF VICTIMS CRYING RELATIVES GATHERED NEAR DEAD BODIES
  • Embargoed: 17th February 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Pakistan
  • Country: Pakistan
  • Topics: Crime
  • Reuters ID: LVARNPDGDGRZC0MOD2T8GVBRMG2
  • Story Text: Militants attacked an isolated army checkpoint in Pakistan's restive northwest on Saturday (February 2), with at least 31 people killed in the initial assault, subsequent crossfire and a rocket attack on a house, officials said.
    The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in response to a U.S. drone strike in neighbouring North Waziristan last month in which two commanders were killed.
    Since 2009, the Pakistani military and pro-government militias have regained territory from the Pakistan Taliban who once controlled land a few hours' drive from the capital of Islamabad.
    The militants attacked the post at Lakki Marwat early on Saturday.

    "It was about 4:45 in the morning. I woke up to the sound of gunfire. Then I heard the sound of mortars. I went to the rooftop of the house and I saw light (from fire). I then saw televisions running this news. When we reached near the attack site, the army was there and it was like curfew there. They were not allowing people to the site of attack. Then I heard few explosions one after one. When I reached here at hospital, the bodies had been brought here," said Altaf Khan, an eye witness.
    Security sources said at least 12 militants and nine officials and civilians were killed in the clash. Two bodies had suicide bomb belts on them, an official said.
    The militants also targeted a house next to the camp with rockets, killing 10 members of one family, sources said.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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