New Delhi, July 10 -- KHUZDAR, PAKISTAN - A suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at the main gate of PPP leader Shafiq Mengal's residence in Khuzdar on Friday, destroying the gate, the boundary wall, and a large section of the building. The initial blast triggered a series of explosions across the area, followed by a three-hour armed battle in which attackers carrying rocket launchers and grenades engaged security forces. At least 17 people were killed - most of them police officers and security guards assigned to protect the compound. More than 30 others were wounded.

Mengal, a Pakistan People's Party leader and president of the Jhalawan Panel, survived the attack unharmed. Five of the assailants, including suicide bomber...