Islamabad, Sep 22: Two vehicles carrying members of an anti-Taliban militia were targeted with roadside bombs in the restive Bajaur tribal region of northwest Pakistan today, killing five persons and injuring seven others.
 The two pick-up trucks were hit by the remote-controlled bombs in Chamrkand area near the border with Afghanistan.
 Five persons died instantly. The injured were taken to a nearby medical facility.
 Officials of the local political administration said the death toll could rise as some of the injured were in a critical condition. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
 Local authorities believe the Taliban may have been behind the attack as they are now targeting tribesmen for supporting security forces.
 Bajaur Agency was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban till security forces conducted a major operation against them in 2008-09.
 Many militants were killed or expelled from the region and the Pakistan Army says some of their leaders, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan deputy chief Maulvi Faqir, have now established bases in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province.
 About three weeks ago, the Pakistani Taliban had kidnapped about 30 boys from Bajaur Agency who had gone to a mountainous region border region three weeks ago to celebrate the Eid festival.
 The boys were later taken to Afghanistan.
 Pakistani Taliban commander Dadullah has demanded that the government free arrested militants for the safe release of the boys.
 He had also asked pro-government tribesmen to end their support to the security forces and to abolish their private 'lashkars' or militias.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST