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16 killed as blast hits jirga in Pakistan's tribal area |
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20:28, October 10, 2008 |
At least 16 people were killed as a blast hit a jirga in Pakistan's tribal area on Friday, state-run PTV reported.
The jirga (tribal meeting) of Ali Khel tribe was going on when a suicide bomber attacked the tribesmen in Orakzai agency near the Afghan border, according to PTV.
As a result, 16 people were killed and 40 others sustained injuries.
The jirga was convened to chalk out a strategy to expel local militants from the tribal region.
Up to 600 tribesmen were attending the jirga at an open place when the blast took place, according to witnesses.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Witnesses said some armed tribesmen started firing after the blast.
Security forces have been conducting operations against militants in the tribal areas and some local tribesmen have voiced their support for the government's operations.
Source: Xinhua
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