Suicide bombings kill 16 in SW Pakistan

Islamabad, Sept 7: Two suicide bombers targeted security forces in Pakistan's restive southwestern city of Quetta today (Sep 7), killing at least 16 people and injuring nearly 30 others.

The attacks occurred near the official residence of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) ''Frontier Corps'' (FC) in the highly guarded area of Quetta, capital of Balochistan province.

Thirteen civilians and three security men were killed while nearly 30 others injured in the attack, police said.

DIG Brig Khuram Shehzad also injured in the attacks but there is no official confirmation of the report. The injured were taken to the city''s Civil Hospital.

Several injured are stated to be in critical condition. Local TV channels report that wife of the DIG was among the dead.

Main gate and boundary walls of the residence were destroyed in the attacks. A police officer told the media that one bomber exploded his explosives-laden car near DIG's house and the other entered the house his house while firing.

The FC personnel had also opened fire after the blast to stop the bomber from entering the house. The blasts smashed glasses of nearby houses and destroyed several vehicles, witnesses said.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack. All main markets in Quetta were closed as the powerful blast created panic across the city.

PTI