Anti-Taleban mayor targeted

A suicide bomber apparently targeting an anti-Taleban mayor struck a crowded market last night in northwest Pakistan, killing 9 and injuring dozens.

The attack took place in the town of Adazai, about 16km south of the main northwest city of Peshawar. The market was crowded with shoppers and goats being sold to celebrate the upcoming Muslim festival of Eid.

The Mayor, Abdul Malik, who was initially reported to have survived, died in the attack, said Sahibzada Anis, the top official in Peshawar.

Malik, who had once been a Taleban supporter, had later switched sides and formed a local militia to help fight the militants.