Double suicide bombing in Pakistani border village leaves more than 100 dead

Two bombers struck seconds apart in Yakaghund village in the Mohmand tribal region, devastating government buildings, shops and houses. Mohmand was part of Pakistan's tribal regions where the Taliban and al-Qaeda had a strong presence.

Taliban spokesman Ikramullah Mohmand had claimed responsibility for the attack. He said their target was a meeting of local officials and anti-Taliban elders from the Anbar Utmankhel tribe.

Initial reports had put the death toll at about 50 and said one bomber was responsible.

However, officials later said that at least 102 had died and more than 115 were wounded. More bodies were recovered from wrecked buildings and others had died from their injuries in hospital.

One of the bombers was on a motorcycle and it was believed the other was driving a vehicle laden with explosives.

The blasts happened near the office of local administrator Rasool Khan, who had escaped unharmed. Tribal elders were in the building but were unhurt, according to Mohmand chief administrator Amjad Ali Khan.

He said the attack showed "increasing desperation" on the part of the Taliban, whose "space is being restricted by security forces".

One of the explosions also damaged the wall of a prison allowing some inmates to escape, although none of them were militants, Rasool Khan was quoted as saying.

Witnesses said the dead and injured included women and children. Abdul Wadood, 19, had been sitting in a vehicle when the bombs exploded and suffered head and arm injuries.

"I only heard the deafening blast and lost consciousness," he was quoted as saying.