January 2, 2010 2:53 PM

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Broaden fight against terror: US tells Pak

Rescuers scrambled to remove the rubble of over 20 houses that collapsed due to the impact of the suicide car bombing at a playground in northwest Pakistan as the toll in the devastating attack rose to 95 today. Police and emergency service officials said three more bodies were pulled out of the debris at Shah Hasankhel village in North West Frontier Province this morning. Officials said, nearly 100 people were injured and some of them are in a serious condition. The bomber, who was in a SUV packed with an estimated 300 kgs of explosives, drove into the middle of the playground and blew himself up at 5.30 pm local time on Friday, when scores of people were watching a volleyball game between two local teams. The blast created a crater in the playground and reduced over 20 nearby houses and several shops to piles of bricks. Witnesses said the playground was littered with blood and body parts. The dead included teenagers and young men who were participating in the game or watching it. Six security personnel and as many women and children were also among the dead. The injured were taken to hospitals in Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Peshawar as rescue operations continued to remove the rubble overnight. Meanwhile, the US denounced the bombing and vowed to support the country in its effort to combat violent extremism. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement in Washington that the United States will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan in their efforts to chart their own future free from fear and intimidation, and will support their efforts to combat violent extremism and bolster democracy. She said the Pakistani people have seen terrorists target schools, markets, mosques and now a volleyball game.

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