MINGORA, Jan 23: Two security personnel and three civilians were killed in a suicide attack and a bomb blast near Mingora on Friday.

According to a press release issued by the Swat Media Centre, a car laden with explosives blew up near the Fizagat checkpost, killing two security personnel and injuring 22 others.

Troops had signalled the suspicious vehicle to stop and also fired on it, but it accelerated and hit the post.

Three civilians, including a woman, were killed and two soldiers were injured when a security forces’ vehicle hit a roadside bomb near the Takhtaband bypass on the outskirts of Mingora.

Officials said the civilians killed in the blast were passersby.

Security forces, meanwhile, pounded militants’ hideouts with artillery in Chamtali area of Khawazakhela.

Five people, including three children, were killed when a shell hit their house.