Gunmen Kill Pakistani Working At Iranian Consulate

RIAZ KHAN

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Witnesses say a loud explosion has rocked the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar.

An Associated Press reporter says smoke can be seen rising in the city, but that few details are immediately available.

Militant attacks have escalated since the government launched an offensive in mid-October against the Taliban's main stronghold in South Waziristan. Areas in and around Peshawar have experienced the brunt of militant attacks.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Gunmen killed a Pakistani working at the Iranian Consulate in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Thursday, adding to security fears in the country as it presses an offensive against the Taliban along the nearby Afghan border.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes amid tensions between Pakistan and Iran over Tehran's allegations that Pakistani intelligence agents had a role in a deadly suicide bombing last month in Iran.