Explosions target regional capitals in Pakistan

Three bombs planted at a government official's house in the Pakistani city of Sadda have exploded in deadly fashion, claiming seven lives.

Meanwhile, another suicide attack took place in Muzaffarabad, a bustling regional capital.

Sunday's explosion in Sadda targeted the home of a Pakistani government official. He, his wife, and their five children were all killed. Three more people were wounded by the blast. Police say the assault came in retaliation for military operations targeting the Taliban.

An investigation is underway into how the time bombs were planted in the house.

On the same day, a suicide attacker ignited his explosives outside a large gathering of Shiite Muslims in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

The detonation killed five people, including a pair of police officers. 80 people were wounded, with 10 in critical condition.

Pakistan has been plagued by rising violence since the government launched a major ground offensive in South Waziristan in October. Since then, the military has stepped up air strikes in Lower Kurram, of which Sadda is the capital and where many insurgents have fled.

Security personnel stand guard after a blast in a market in Karachi, Pakistan, Dec. 27, 2009. At least 16 people were injured in the blast.(Xinhua/Anwar Aabbas)