Two Pakistani soldiers, civilian killed in North Waziristan

Islamabad, June 24 (IANS) At least two soldiers and a civilian were killed in a suicide bomb attack in North Waziristan tribal region Tuesday, the Pakistan Army said.

The security forces, backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships, were engaged in a major operation against Pakistani and foreign militants in the region, Xinhua reported.

The bomber wanted to attack a check post but the security forces foiled his attempt, the statement said.

"A suicide attack attempt was averted which could have caused a big human loss when a vehicle-borne suicide bomber was blocked by troops 100 metres away from a check post near a hospital in Spinwon area of North Waziristan this afternoon," it said.

"Two soldiers and a civilian embraced martyrdom when a nearby building collapsed," the army said.

No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.