Pakistan: Suicide Bombing Outside Swat Police Station Kills 16, Including 6 Policemen
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Peshawar (Shamim Shahid) — At least 16 people, including six police officers, were killed and at least 30 others injured in a suicide bombing outside the Kabal Police Station in Pakistan's restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday.
Officials said several of the wounded, including police personnel and civilians, are in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
The explosion occurred as residents were holding a peaceful protest near the police station against the recent surge in militant violence in the Swat Valley.
Malakand Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Fida Hussain said the suicide bomber attempted to enter the Kabal Police Station but was stopped by officers guarding the entrance. The attacker then detonated his explosive vest near the main gate.
Police said a human head was recovered from the blast site and is believed to belong to the suicide bomber. Forensic teams have begun collecting evidence to establish the attacker's identity and investigate the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that the police station was the primary target, but the bomber failed to breach the police compound.
The bodies of those killed and the injured were shifted to Saidu Sharif Central Hospital for medical treatment.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressed condolences to the families of those killed, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the bombing, sought a report from the provincial police chief, and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He said the province's police continue to make significant sacrifices to protect the public and vowed that militants would not succeed in their objectives.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police officers for preventing the bomber from entering the station, saying their actions saved many lives.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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