A suicide bomber attacked a convoy of civilians guarded by security forces in Pakistan's northwest today, killing at least 12 people and wounding 30, police said.
Suicide bombings have eased in recent weeks but it is not clear whether that is because security has improved after military gains against the Pakistani Taliban or if the insurgents are merely regrouping for more attacks.
Pakistan's Taliban, who are Sunni Muslims, have carried out waves of bombings, killing hundreds of people and hitting everything from crowded markets to mosques to military and police facilities in their drive to topple the US-backed government.
Shias, a minority in Pakistan, have also been targeted.
Mir Chaman, deputy superintendent of police in Hangu, said at least 12 people were killed and 30 wounded in the bombing.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan has launched two big offensives in the northwest over the past year against the al-Qaeda-backed Taliban, who want to impose their austere version of Islamic rule.
The operations have destroyed militant bases and Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud is widely believed to have been killed in a US drone strike in January.
His predecessor was killed in a similar strike by a pilotless aircraft in August.
Reuters