Rickshaw suicide bomber kills three in Pakistan

A rickshaw suicide bomber killed three people in the Pakistan city of Peshawar today, the latest in a string of strikes across the country that has left hundreds dead.

The Taliban-organised attacks are aimed at distracting the government from its offensive against them in the South Waziristan tribal region.

Five other people were wounded in the blast at an intersection on the main road that circles the city.

The bomber was probably heading to a more crowded area but decided to set off his explosives when police stopped the rickshaw to check it, police said.

The attacker killed a police constable, the rickshaw driver and a passer-by, police said.

Peshawar has been struck several times during the recent surge of strikes. An October explosion levelled a market, killing at least 112 people in the deadliest attack to hit the country since 2007.

Militants have also stepped up attacks in other areas near the Afghan border. A roadside bomb killed two paramilitary troops and wounded a third in Salarzai town in the Bajur tribal region.

The military concluded a six-month campaign in Bajur earlier this year to clear the area of militants, but periodic attacks have continued and have increased since the army launched its South Waziristan offensive in mid-October.

The government has pledged to press ahead with the offensive despite the assaults.

Pakistan’s army has put 30,000 troops against up to 8,000 militants, including many Uzbeks and other foreign insurgents who have long taken refuge in the lawless tribal areas.

The soldiers have been battling militants in three key Taliban bases in South Waziristan over the past few days. Fighting over the past 24 hours has killed eight militants and four soldiers.