ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's chief army spokesman says a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a group of paramilitary officers near the Afghan border, killing at least eight troops in the volatile region.

The attack Sunday occurred near Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, a tribal area considered a haven for al-Qaida and Taliban-linked militants.

U.S. anti-terrorist ally Pakistan has deployed security forces throughout its northwest to tamp down growing militancy. The troops have been frequent targets of attacks.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas says the latest attack occurred at a checkpoint near the main gate of the Zalai Fort, where members of the Frontier Corps were gathered.