A suicide bomber killed at least 14 people in Swat Valley as residents protested against escalating regional violence.
A suicide bomber killed at least 14 people and wounded over 20 others in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. The blast occurred in the town of Kabal on Sunday evening, striking a crowd of hundreds who had gathered near a police station to demand government action against the region's escalating violence. Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan reported that the explosion happened after police attempted to stop and search the bomber at the entrance of the station. Demonstrators gathered to condemn the resurgence of violent attacks by the Pakistan Taliban, who previously held the valley as a stronghold. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the Pakistan Taliban are suspected of being behind the attack. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing sorrow for the loss of life and reaffirming the nation's commitment to eradicating terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered condolences to the families of those killed. Security forces have cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation into the incident.