Seven killed as multiple bombings rock Peshawar (Second Lead)

PESHAWAR - Three foreigners were among the seven people killed Monday in a series of bomb blasts targeting the heavily guarded US consulate in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, police said.

A group of suicide bombers attacked the American consulate and killed two Pakistani security guards, one policemen, one civilian and three foreigners, police said. But they did not confirm the nationality of the foreigners.

Quoting sources, Xinhua reported that at least four personnel of an American security company, who were guarding the consulate, were among the 11 injured.

The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attacks and said they would launch more such strikes.

Peshawar is the capital of the North West Frontier Province.

The bombers, who came in two cars near the consulate gate, fired two mortars at the building, opened fire with automatic guns and then detonated their explosive-packed vehicles.

Witnesses said that the attacks damaged parts of the highly-guarded consulate in Peshawar.

TV footage showed a big blast near a roadside shop, sending thick smoke in the air. Witnesses said they saw a car explode with a huge blast.

The blasts also smashed windows of houses and offices in the area, witnesses said.

An army helicopter was seen flying in the area to check if any attackers were hiding in the area. The security forces asked the people to stay way from the blast site, fearing more explosions.

A US embassy spokesperson in Islamabad said the American consulate came under attack but added he has not received complete information so far.

Senior NWFP Minister Bashir Bilour said that a policeman and a security personnel from the Frontier Constabulary were killed in the attack. He said bodies of four attackers were also found. He said two suicide jackets were also recovered.

The American consulate, situated in the cantonment area, is guarded by the Frontier Constabulary.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the Peshawar blasts and ordered special medical facilities to the injured.

NWFP Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain blamed the militants for the attacks, saying that after their defeat in the Swat Valley and the Waziristan tribal region, they had now begun killing innocent people in cities.

Shaken by the Peshawar blasts, the authorities have strengthened security at the Iranian and Afghan consulates in Balochistan capital Quetta.

Police contingents have been deployed outside sensitive government installations and police patrolling has also been stepped up, Online news agency reported.

Security has been strengthening outside Governor House, the Chief Minister House, he civil secretariat and other important installations.