Balochistan: Suicide attack outside Sufi shrine kills 18, wounds at least 27

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside a Sufi shrine in Pakistan's restive southwest Thursday, killing 18 people and wounding at least 27 others, officials said.

The incident took place in the Jhal Magsi district of the oil and gas-rich Balochistan province, bordering Iran and Afghanistan.

"A suicide bomber blew himself up after he was intercepted by police guards on duty outside the shrine, killing 13 people and wounding at least 20 others," senior local administration official Asad Kakar told AFP.

A bomb attack on the same shrine killed 35 people in 2005.

"The suicide bomber struck outside the shrine at a time when it was packed with people, attending anniversary celebrations of Syed Cheesal Shah," Kakar said.

Members of Sunni and Shiite sects visit the shrine daily, with attendance climbing significantly during festivities.

Senior local police official Muhammad Iqbal also confirmed the incident and death toll.

Balochistan government spokesman Anwaar-Ul l-Haq Kakar said: "We have confirmed reports it was a suicide attack."