Real-life Hurt Locker as soldier defuses suicide vest

A member of the Afghan bomb disposal unit approaches a suicide attacker after his vest was defused in Jalalabad. Credit: REUTERS/Parwiz

A bomb disposal expert, dressed head to toe in protective gear, risked his life as he defused a suicide vest in Afghanistan.

In a scene reminiscent of the Oscar-winning Hurt Locker, the member of the Afghan bomb disposal unit approached the alleged would-be bomber in the Jalalabad province on Sunday.

The suspect was captured by security forces before he could blow himself up but a solider had to defuse the vest before he could be taken away to be questioned.

The suicide attacker lies on the ground after his vest was defused. Credit: REUTERS/Parwiz

Afghan forces also stopped another suicide attack in the capital Kabul after a man dressed in military uniform was shot dead.

He was then taken away by Afghan National Army soldiers. Credit: REUTERS/Parwiz

Meanwhile, a series of three bombings yesterday in neighbouring Pakistan killed at least 49 people.

Some 28 worshippers were killed in an attack at a mosque in the southwestern city of Quetta.