Taliban militants attacked a market using a car bomb in the northwest region of Pakistan Monday, killing at least 41 people, according to the New York Times.
The attack was the fourth against strategic targets across the country in the past week.
The Pakistani military declared that the region, the Shangla District, had been cleared of militants after an offensive this summer.
"This was our first small effort and a present to the Pakistani and American governments," said Azam Tariq, a Taliban spokesman.
Militants also siezed Pakistani army headquarters on Saturday, killing 20 people, according to USA Today.
The standoff ended 22 hours later, when rescuers were able to free 42 hostages.
The attacks show the enduring strength of insurgents in the area, forcing the military to go on the defense.
