Islamabad: Paksitani forces today claimed to have averted suicide attacks apparently aimed at NWFP capital Peshawar, when its two helicopter gunships intercepted and targeted three explosive laden vehicles killing two suspected bombers and injuring many others.

The gunships attacked the three vehicles along the Afghan border between Aurakzai and Khyber tribal regions following reports that terrorists could use explosive laden cars to carry out attacks on Peshawar, similar to the Marriott bombing.

Officials said besides the two suicide bombers, who were killed in the attack, several other suspected terrorists were injured. Security forces have recovered about 2,000 kg of explosives.

The officials said they had received information that three explosive laden vehicles were likely to enter Peshawar to carry out attacks. Security has been stepped up at all entry points to the city from the outlying tribal areas.

Over 50 people were killed and 266 injured when a suicide bomber rammed a truck packed with 600 kg of explosives into the gate of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on September 20. The government sounded an alert across the country following that attack.

Source : PTI