7 Policemen killed in suicide attack in Bannu, 2 suicide bombers arrested in injured condition.

BANNU, November 13, 2009 (Frontier Star): A suicide bomber rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into a Police station in Bannu on Friday, killing 7 Policemen and injuring 22 others seriously. Two suicide bombers were also arrested from the site in wounded condition. The bomber rammed the car into Baka Khel Police station building at Rangsa Road in Bannu. The building of the Police station destroyed completely in the attack. 7 Policemen were killed and 22 were wounded. Station House Officer Riaz Khatak and some of the inmates were also included in the injured. The bodies and injured were shifted to district headquarter hospital Bannu where emergency has been announced. According to reports around 150 Policemen were present in the Premises when the building was attacked. Still many policemen said to be trapped under the debris of the building and rescue operations were underway to retrieve them safely. Security forces have cordoned off the area and Bannu-Miranshah road has been closed for traffic. The security forces have also arrested two suicide bombers at the site in injured condition. Bake Khel Police Station is a sensitive Police Station because it is situated at the border of Bannu and semi-tribal area. The intelligence had report with regard to attack on Police Station. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday condemned the suicide attack in Bannu. The two leaders reiterated their resolve in countering terrorism and not to allow anyone disrupt peace in the country. In separate messages, the two leaders expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. They prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed souls and for courage to their families to bear the irreparable loss. They also directed investigation into the incident and best possible medical treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister NWFP Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani condemned the blast and expressed grief over loss of lives. The central President of Awami National Party (ANP) Asfandyar Wali Khan, Provincial President ANP Afrasiyab Khatak, Information Minister NWFP Mian Iftikhar, PML-Q NWFP President Ameer Muqam, chief of PPP (Sherpao) Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and other personalities also strongly denounced the blast. Interior Minister Rehman Malik has also sought report from relevant authorities within 24 hours, sources said.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)