Bomb Attacks Kill Five In Pakistan's Northwestern Tribal Region

Two bomb blasts targeting anti-Taliban tribal elders and security forces have killed five people in Pakistan's northwest.

A local government official, Tariq Khan, said the attacks occurred May 3 in the town of of Chamarkand in the Bajur tribal region.

The official said that, in the first attack, an improvised explosive device killed two pro-government tribal leaders.

Khan said a second blast occurred as security forces rushed to the scene, and two paramilitary soldiers and one tribal policeman were killed.

Both bombs appeared to be detonated by remote control.

No group has claimed responsibility.

The Pakistani Taliban have carried out many similar attacks in the past.

The Pakistani military conducted large operations in the region in 2008 and 2009.

Despite the military's claims of clearing the region, Bajur is still subjected to frequent attacks.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP