Suicide bombing at security facility in Pakistan kills at least nine personnel

At least nine security personnel were killed and 21 others injured in a suicide attack on a scouts camp in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the night of May 14, according to police sources.

The attack occurred at around 7:55 p.m. local time at the headquarters of the scouts in Bajaur district, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Preliminary reports indicate that a vehicle packed with explosives approached the main gate of the compound and detonated after security personnel attempted to stop it, damaging the entrance and surrounding structures.

Following the explosion, heavily armed militants reportedly opened fire with small and medium weapons, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security forces stationed inside the facility, the sources said.

After the fighting subsided, rescue and clearance operations were launched inside the compound. Authorities said efforts were ongoing to identify the dead and injured.

Several militants were also reportedly killed during the exchange, although officials said the exact number of insurgent casualties was still being verified.

The injured personnel were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of the damage to the facility was still being assessed as security operations continued in the area.

By Sabina Mammadli