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In Pakistan, 16 killed in convoy attack

From Reza Sayah, CNN
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Intelligence officials say 16 people were killed in the attack
  • The Pakistani military was escorting the civilian vehicles when militants attacked
  • The convoy contained Shia Muslims traveling through Pakistan's tribal region
  • The region is known for sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Grenades and gunfire killed 16 people and injured several others when militants attacked a convoy of civilian vehicles that the Pakistani military was escorting through the country's tribal region Saturday, intelligence officials told CNN.

Militants ambushed the convoy, two Pakistani intelligence officials said, first using rocket-propelled grenades and then following with gunfire.

The officials asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

They said the convoy was mostly local Shiite Muslims traveling to Peshawar from Parachinar, the largest town in the district of Kurram.

The region has been home to sectarian violence between local Sunnis and minority Shiites.

Pakistani soldiers often escort Shiite travelers because of escalating violence there.

In Lahore, blasts at two internet cafes injured six people, police said.

Journalist Nasir Habib contributed to this report.