2010-07-20 15:15

ISLAMABAD - A group of three "suicide bombers" Tuesday tried to enter an army center in Pakistan's northwest but the security guards foiled their attempt and shot them dead, police chief in the region said.

Deputy Inspector General Police Akhtar Ali Shah said that armed bombers, wearing suicide jackets, tried to enter the army center in Mardan city, 60 kilometers northeast of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province.

He said that three army guards were injured, who were shifted to an army hospital in the city. They are stated to be in stable condition.

Shah said that the guards at the gate frustrated attempt by the bombers and opened fire on them. Their suicide jackets were exploded as the result of the guards firing.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack. The government blame suspected Taliban for such attacks.

Taliban militants had been active in Mardan, the second largest city in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, in 2009 but they were weakened as the result of operation in Swat valley.

Last year in May a bomb attacked the same Army's Center market and killed at least 13 people, including four soldiers.

The army has declared victory in the fight against militants in the northwest but the Tuesday frustrated attack shows that their network is still working.