A car bomb tore through a crowded market in Northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least 100 people.

 

The explosion took place just hours after US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton arrived in the country to show American support for its campaign against militants.

More than 200 people were also wounded by the blast in Peshawar, the deadliest in a surge of attacks this month. The bombing set scores of shops on fire and caused the collapse of several buildings, including a mosque.

No group has claimed responsibility yet. The government, however, blames insurgents seeking to avenge an army offensive against al-Qaida and Taliban extremists near the Afghan border.

The Taliban has warned Pakistan, that the group would stage more attacks if the military does not end its ground operation in the South Waziristan region.