Renewed violence erupted in Pakistan's restive northwest as a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-filled vehicle into a convoy of para-military personnel killing three soldiers, while an unknown gunman shot dead an American aid worker in Peshawar city.
Three soldiers were killed when a suicide bomber hit a convoy of para-military forces coming out of the compound in Shabqadar town, 35 km from the NWFP capital of Peshawar.
Another ten soldiers were wounded and were rushed to military cantonment hospital in the city.
The town borders a region of Mohmand tribe, which is one of the prominent tribes where Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants are active.
In further clashes in the nearby Swat valley at least eight Taliban militants and one soldiers were killed in clashes.
The clashes erupted in the Kabal district, a strong hold of Taliban which was attacked by the security forces.
Taliban militants also opened fire at a security checkpoint in Totano banda village, but there were no reports of casualties.
In another incident, unidentified gunmen shot dead an American aid worker and his driver in Peshawar, witnesses and police said.
{{/usCountry}}In another incident, unidentified gunmen shot dead an American aid worker and his driver in Peshawar, witnesses and police said.
{{/usCountry}}The US national was working as a director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the tribal regions near Peshawar, they said. The gunmen opened fire at the American national's car as it was entering his office in the University Town neighbourhood of Peshawar, witnesses said.
In August, the US consul general in Peshawar escaped unhurt when gunmen opened fire at her car in the same area.
Three persons were killed and about 10 others injured yesterday when a suicide bomber struck at a sport complex in Peshawar shortly after the concluding ceremony of the inter-provincial games.
Police officials said they believed the suicide bomber had intended to target a provincial minister who was attending the ceremony. Two of senior Minister Bashir Bilour's guards were among the dead though he escaped unhurt.
Taliban militants regularly target security forces and political leaders in the NWFP and adjoining tribal areas.