20 killed in suicide blast in Bajaur Agency

A bombing in a market close to the Afghan border killed 20 people Friday in Bajaur Agency. The blast hit the area a day after the U.S. released letters seized from Osama bin Laden s compound that criticized Pakistani militants for killing too many civilians. Five of the dead in the Bajur region blast were local members of the security forces, including one who had received an award for bravery in fighting militants, government administrator Abdul Haseeb said. The others were passers-by. At least 40 people have also been wounded in the blast. Bodies and the injured people have been taken to the nearby hospital. Meawhile, security forces cordoned off the area soon after the incident and an initial investigation has also been started in this regard. The bomb hit the main market early morning Friday when the traders opened their shops. A government school is also located in this area.