50 die in suicide attack during anti-Taleban talks

Two suicide attackers wearing police uniforms and jackets packed with explosives and bullets blew themselves up at a gathering of tribesmen to discuss creating an anti-Taleban militia in north-west Pakistan yesterday, killing 50 people.

The event was held in Mohmand, part of the militant-infested tribal region.

"The first (bomber] blew himself up in the office of one of my deputies, the second set off explosives when guards caught him," said Amjad Ali Khan, the top government official in Mohmand, who appeared to be the target of the attack.

The Pakistani army has carried out operations in Mohmand but has been unable to defeat the Taleban.