Islamabad:At least 26 people, a majority of them security personnel, were killed in three attacks by the local Taliban in Pakistan s troubled northwest today even as security forces shot dead over 40 militants in clashes in the same region.

The latest spurt in violence, which came after two massive suicide bombings carried out by Taliban in the country this week, posed a fresh challenge to the new Pakistani leadership which is still engaged in political squabbling after the resignation of Pervez Musharraf as President.

A suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a police station in Charbagh, about 10 km from Mingora, the main town of Swat district, this morning. Paramilitary troops were also deployed at the police station in Charbagh, which has witnessed violent attacks by militants in the recent past.

State-run PTV initially reported that up to 20 people were killed in the attack while private TV channels put the death toll at nine.

Ten people were injured in the blast, which also damaged nearby shops and houses. Curfew was imposed in the region following the explosion.

Muslim Khan, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman in Swat, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack.

Militants also targeted a police check post at Aboha in Barikot sub-district with a remote-controlled bomb, killing three persons, including two children who were playing in the area.
Source : PTI