Pakistan suicide attack kills at least 42 soldiers

A suicide attacker detonated a bomb at the Pakistan army’s main training base today, killing at least 42 soldiers as they started their calisthenics exercises, Information Minister Mohammed Ali Durrani said.

“A man wrapped in a cloak came running into the training area and exploded himself where recruits had gathered for training,” the army said in a statement.

No one claimed responsibility for the explosion in Dargai, 60 miles north of Peshawar, the capital of North West Province.

If it is confirmed that Islamic militants carried out the attack, it would be the deadliest so far by the insurgents on the Pakistani army.

Durrani said 42 soldiers died and 20 others were injured.

He said about 200 soldiers had formed up for morning exercises when the attack occurred.

“This is a contemptible act and everyone should condemn it,” Durrani told journalists in Islamabad.

Shortly after the explosion, security agents captured an alleged accomplice of the suicide bomber after chasing him into a nearby village, an intelligence official said.