Suicide bomber targets Pakistan Rangers headquarters

ISLAMABAD: A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden truck into the headquarters of the Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary force, in the southern port city of Karachi today, killing at least one person and injuring 14 others, police and witnesses said.

The attacker rammed the truck into the gate of the Pakistan Rangers office in North Nazimabad area of Karachi this morning.

The powerful explosion, which was heard across the city, caused extensive damage to the building and a section of it collapsed. It also triggered a fire that was brought under control after about 90 minutes.

Footage on television showed a column of smoke rising into the sky. The blast also damaged several nearby buildings.

At least one injured person died in hospital, officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.

Initial reports said two persons were killed but this was later scaled down by officials.

Sindh Police chief Fayyaz Leghari said nine Pakistan Rangers, several policemen and two civilians were among the injured.

"We have found body parts, which suggests it was a suicide attack. A vehicle laden with explosives hit the gate of the building," Leghari told the media.

The injured were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors said four injured persons were in a serious condition.

Witnesses said the suicide bomber's truck was carrying vegetables. Officials of the bomb disposal squad said over 100 kg of explosives were used in the attack.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack. The government usually blames the banned Taliban for such attacks as they routinely target security forces.

The attack occurred at a time when Karachi is hosting an international defence exhibition and dozens of foreign delegates are taking part in the event.

However, Sindh Police chief Leghari said the site of the attack was far away from the venue of the exhibition.