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Pakistan Suicide Bombing Death Toll Jumps to 102


Pakistani officials say the death toll from Friday's twin suicide blasts in the country's northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border has jumped to 102, as more bodies are recovered from debris.

Police say the two suicide bombers, one on a motorbike and the other in a car, struck as a government official, Rasool Khan, was meeting with a local peace committee in the Yakaghund village of the Mohmand tribal region.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack which wounded more than 100 people.

The blasts took place as officials nearby were distributing wheelchairs and other aid to the needy. Officials say women and children are among the victims.

About 70 shops were destroyed. Rescuers have been searching the rubble of collapsed buildings for more victims.

Officials say a local jail was damaged, allowing 28 prisoners to escape.

Mohmand is part of Pakistan's lawless tribal belt where Taliban and al-Qaida militants are based. The Pakistani army has carried out operations in Mohmand, but has not been able to clear the area of militants.

Pakistan is under pressure from the United States to go after insurgents in the northwest. The militants have carried out attacks on Western forces in Afghanistan.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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