15 killed in blast at Pakistani army checkpoint - CNN

• The main Pakistani Taliban faction claims responsibility for the attack


• TTP spokesman: The bombing was to avenge the death of a Pakistani Taliban commander


• The blast strikes a convoy of both military and civilian vehicles

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- At least 22 people were killed and 38 others injured in a blast at an army checkpoint in the northern Pakistani city of Bannu on Sunday, intelligence officials said.

The blast struck an army convoy traveling from Bannu to Miranshah, the officials said. The convoy included both military and civilian vehicles.

According to the intelligence officials, an improvised explosive device had been planted in an 18-seater van. The majority of those killed were passengers on that van.

The main Pakistani Taliban faction, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

"The bombing was carried out to (avenge) the killing of Maulana Waliur Rehman, commander of TTP South Waziristan, who was killed on May 29, 2013, in a U.S. drone strike in Miranshah," TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said.

In June 2013, another attack had been carried out by the TTP to avenge Waliur Rehman's death. Gunmen opened fire at the base of one of Pakistan's highest peaks, killing 11 people -- 10 tourists and a local guide.

Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan condemned Sunday's attack and has sought an explanation about the hiring of the private vehicles used in the convoy.

Journalists Zahir Shah Sherazi and Saleem Mehsud contributed to this report.

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