A devastating suicide bombing killed at least 12 civilians, including six children, in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday when two attackers drove explosives-laden vehicles into a security installation, police and rescue services reported.
The powerful blasts caused widespread destruction, bringing down the roof of a nearby mosque just as residents had broken their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The explosion rocked a busy marketplace, leaving dozens wounded and buildings in ruins.
Security forces successfully prevented the militants from breaching the military facility, engaging in a gun battle that resulted in the deaths of six assailants. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. In recent years, the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has escalated its assaults on security forces, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan.
Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Nauman confirmed that 30 people were injured, with rescue teams continuing efforts to search for victims trapped under debris. Footage from the scene showed people frantically clearing rubble in search of survivors.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, vowing that “the evil ambitions of the enemies of Pakistan will never be allowed to succeed.” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, also denounced the incident, pledging swift action against those responsible.
Melissa Enoch
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