Deadly car bomb targets paramilitary headquarters in Pakistan, killing 8 people VIDEO

A powerful car bomb exploded outside the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary forces in Quetta on September 30, killing at least eight people and wounding several others in a coordinated militant attack, according to local authorities.

The assault began when four attackers arrived in a vehicle near the main gate of the Frontier Constabulary compound in Quetta, the capital of the restive Balochistan province. Police said the assailants exited the car before detonating the explosives and engaging in an intense gunfight with security personnel, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

“The blast was so powerful it was heard from miles away,” said local residents, describing scenes of chaos as ambulances rushed to the site. Windows of nearby buildings were shattered, and several vehicles were damaged by the explosion, according to footage aired on local television channels.

CCTV video from the area showed a car pulling up to the entrance of the compound, followed by a large explosion and sustained gunfire. Authorities said all four attackers were killed by security forces during the shootout.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, praising the swift response of security forces.

“Terrorists cannot break the nation’s resolve through cowardly acts, and the sacrifices of our people and security forces will not go in vain,” he said in a statement, adding that the government remains committed to restoring peace and security in the province.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion is likely to fall on separatist militants active in Balochistan, who frequently target security forces and civilians as part of a long-running insurgency.

Provincial Health Minister Bakhat Kakar warned that the death toll could rise, with several of the wounded in critical condition.

By Sabina Mammadli