6 Jan, 2010, Pakistan

Three soldiers have been killed and about 11 have been injured in a suicide bombing outside the army barracks in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. No group has claimed this attack that has occurred in Tarakhal, near the town of Rawalakot, close to the line of control (LOC) with Indian-administered Kashmir.

Kashmir is disputed between the two countries.

Pakistan’s portion has been largely free of violence, although eight Shia Muslims died in an attack last month. The area is home to camps of Sunni militant groups fighting in Indian-administered Kashmir. Around all dead and injured are reported to be army soldiers. The wounded have been shifted to the hospitals in Rawalakot. Pakistani-administered Kashmir has been home to dozens of militant groups for nearly two decades but such militant attacks are not common in the area.

In November, three would-be suicide bombers blew themselves up in the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, when they were chased by the police. The police said that all three appeared to be non-Kashmiri men from their appearance and language. On 12 December, a Muharram procession of local Shia Muslims was attacked in Muzaffarabad, killing at least eight people. In June, a suicide bomber targeted soldiers near in Muzaffarabad, killing two soldiers and injuring three others.

Tuesday’s blast is the first outside of Muzaffarabad.