A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people and wounded 40 others on Friday in an attack targeting security forces in northwest Pakistan, al Jazeera television reported.
The bomber struck close to a market place in Bajaur district, a volatile tribal area along the Afghan border.
Eight security personnel were among the dead, including Fazal Rabi who had received a presidential award for bravery in fighting the Taliban, said Abdul Haseeb, a senior government official in the region.
The region has previously been at the center of fighting between and the army and militants.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which came amid tightened security following the first anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. troops.
