Central & South Asia

Several killed in failed Pakistan jail break

Two suicide bombers attacked Peshawar judicial compound in apparent bid to storm prison and release fighters held there.
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2013 15:48

Two suicide bombers have attacked a judicial compound in the Pakistani city of Peshawar, killing four people and taking hostages, officials said.

One suicide bomber blew himself up outside the crowded complex on Monday, causing the deaths, said Information Minister Mian Iftikhar.

The other attacker entered the complex in an apparent bid to storm into a jail and release fighters held there.

He took hostages and was later shot dead by security forces, Iftikhar said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the operation. Police forces sealed off roads around the complex.

Taliban fighters, are fighting to topple Pakistan's government. They have targeted the military, security forces and civilians.

Peshawar has been a constant target of bomb and Taliban attacks because of its location along a semi-autonomous tribal belt.

The tribal belt is considered a safe haven for Taliban and other armed groups fighting both in Pakistan and across the border in Afghanistan.

More than 250 people have been killed in attacks since January 10.

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