Statement: Terrorist Bombing in Lower Dir

February 3, 2010

Islamabad - Three Americans were killed and two injured in a terrorist bomb explosion at about 11:20 a.m. today in the Lower Dir District of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province.  A number of Pakistani citizens, including children, are believed to have been killed and injured in the blast.  We are continuing to gather the facts about the incident.

The Americans were U.S. military personnel in Pakistan to conduct training at the invitation of the Pakistan Frontier Corps.  They were in Lower Dir to attend the inauguration ceremony of a school for girls that had recently been renovated with U.S. humanitarian assistance.

The United States condemns this vicious terrorist bombing.  We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and our sympathy and support to the wounded.  The carnage at the school in Lower Dir clearly shows the terrorists' vision.  The United States and Pakistan are partners in fighting terrorism - and our people are working together to build schools.

The U.S. Department of Defense will provide additional details as they become available.