At least 3 terrorists killed after security forces foil attack on Federal Constabulary HQ in Peshawar

Three suicide bombers targeted the headquarters of a Pakistani paramilitary force on Monday, killing three personnel and wounding at least five, authorities said.

The attackers opened fire as they forced themselves into the headquarters of the frontier constabulary in Peshawar city before blowing themselves up inside the complex, police said.

Three paramilitary personnel were killed, said Javed Iqbal, the deputy commandant of the force.

“The first suicide bomber carried out an attack on the main entrance of the constabulary and the others entered the compound,” a senior official told Reuters on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“Law enforcement personnel, including the army and police, have cordoned off the area and are carefully handling the situation as we suspect there are some terrorists inside the headquarters,” the official added.

The headquarters of the force is located in a densely populated area of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

“The road has been closed for traffic and cordoned off by the army, police and (security) personnel,” Safdar Khan, a resident of the area, told Reuters.

The five wounded people, including two paramilitary personnel, were taken to Lady Reading Hospital, its spokesperson Mohammad Asim said.

No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Meanwhile, in a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack and offered heartfelt condolences.

He affirmed that externally backed Fitna-al-Khawarij cannot weaken Pakistan’s unity, resilience, or resolve.

Moreover, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and instructed that the injured be provided immediate medical assistance.

The PM directed that those responsible for the incident be identified as soon as possible and brought to justice.

In his statement, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the personnel for foiling the Khawarij attack.

“Our martyred personnel are our heroes. Their great sacrifice will always be remembered,” he said.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terror activities, after the TTP ended a ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowed to attack security forces, police, and personnel of law enforcement agencies.