Suicide bomb attack kills 26 in Pakistan

A SUICIDE bomber in a pick-up truck detonated his explosives near several government offices in Hangu, north-west Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 26 people, in the latest violence to hit the country since the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

The Pakistani Taleban claimed responsibility for the attack, adding to pressure on the government, already under fire over the American operation to kill the al-Qaeda chief and the mounting bloodshed since.

Hangu is located just outside Pakistan's lawless tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, havens for al-Qaeda and other militants, including Pakistani Taleban.

The bomb went off near several government buildings, including the district commissioner's office. Those buildings escaped the worst of the blast, officials said, but many shops and structures nearby were damaged. At least 26 people were killed and 56 were wounded. Most of the victims were civilians, including many in a nearby restaurant.