A Powerful Bomb Blast Hits Northwest Pakistan, Killing At Least 16

Peshawar, Pakistan (AHN) - At least 16 people are killed and several injured after a car laden with explosives rammed into a security check point in Pakistan's volatile northwest region on Saturday.

The suicide attack carried out on the outskirts of Peshawar left several people and police officials trapped under the debris of shops.

The reports said the attack took place at Zangali security check post, 15 kilometers (9.32 miles) from Peshawar, capital of North West Frontier Province,

The strength of the bomb could be measured by the destruction it caused. The force of the blast destroyed a nearby market and brought down a building.

According to an eyewitness, people were thrown into the air by the force of the powerful blast. The blast also left a crater one-meter (3 ft) deep.

Local reports said around 80 people are injured in the attack who were taken to the nearby hospitals and some of them are in a critical condition.

No militant group has taken responsibility for the suicide attack, but the local officials suspect the involvement of Taliban insurgents as the U.S.-led forces have been raiding Pakistan's tribal areas.

The attack coincided with the announcement from the ruling government that Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, will succeed former President Pervez Musharraf who resigned under pressure on August 14.