Pakistan suicide bombers blow themselves up during raid

Three suicide bombers blew themselves up during a raid on their hide-out in southern Pakistan today.

The three militants who died in Karachi were suspected of planning an attack on a “high-profile” target in the city.

Police seized at least 22 pounds of explosives, two suicide jackets, seven pistols and 12 hand grenades from the house.

The militants were believed to be part of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, an extremist group linked to al-Qaida, and police said a tip from a captured member of the group led security forces to the house.

Meanwhile, a bomb derailed a train in eastern Punjab province, killing three people and wounding 15 others.

Pakistan is experiencing a wave of violence amid continuing military offensives against insurgents in its north west, where Taliban and al Qaida fighters have established bases.

Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, is considered a militant hub and has witnessed plenty of political and religious violence over the years.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is one of the most feared militant groups in Pakistan. The Sunni Muslim group is often associated with sectarian attacks, including suicide bombings in mosques.

Its fighters were trained in camps in Afghanistan and have joined terror attacks sanctioned by al-Qaida, including December 2003 bombings targeting former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.