Terrorists carried out a major attack on a police checkpoint in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 15 security personnel were killed and several others injured in a suicide blast and gunfire. According to police, the attack took place in the northwestern district of Bannu, where a vehicle packed with explosives attempted to approach a police post before detonating in a powerful blast. Explosive-laden vehicle targeted police checkpoint According to police officials, security personnel opened fire on the suspicious vehicle as it moved towards the checkpoint, triggering a massive explosion. The force of the blast destroyed the police post and caused the roofs of several nearby houses to collapse. Multiple security personnel were trapped beneath the rubble following the explosion. Police said the assault did not end there. Soon after the blast, a large group of militants launched an armed attack on the damaged checkpoint, leading to intense gunfire between the attackers and security forces. A spokesperson for Bannu police confirmed that 15 security personnel were killed in the attack, while several others sustained injuries. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many militants were killed or arrested during the operation. Leaders condemn attack Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act”. He also directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured personnel. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic incident”. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the “elevated ranks” of the slain personnel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks to KP CM Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later telephoned KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to condemn the attack and express solidarity with the victims’ families. Sharif said the central government would continue working closely with provincial administrations to ensure the “complete eradication of terrorism” across Pakistan. Region remains under militant threat The latest attack comes amid continuing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and neighbouring tribal regions. Last week, security forces in South Waziristan reportedly killed a suspected militant who was approaching a checkpoint in a vehicle loaded with explosives.
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