Deadly attack rocks military base in Pakistan

Deadly attack rocks military base in Pakistan

Peshawar, Pakistan - Two suicide bombers breached a wall at a military base in the northwest Pakistan caused before other attackers stormed into the area. The violence left at least 12 people dead and 30 others injured, according to authorities and a local hospital.

Attack in Bannu

A group linked to the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, saying scores of Pakistani security forces were killed. Military authorities initially confirmed no casualties, but the Bannu District Hospital reported at least a dozen deaths.

Details about the attack

The two suicide bombers blew themselves up as they approached the wall of the sprawling military compound, a security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.

“After breaching the wall, five to six more attackers tried to enter the compound but were successfully repelled,” the security official added.

Time of the attack

The attack occurred after sunset, when many people were about to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

Responsibility for the attack

The Jaish Al-Fursan group claimed responsibility for the attack, which marks the third militant attack in Pakistan since the start of Ramadan. A statement said the explosions were caused by vehicles loaded with explosives.

Consequences of the explosions

Gray smoke rose into the sky and shots could also be heard after the two explosions, reports police officer Zahid Khan. Four children were among the dead, according to hospital officials. The victims lived near the site of the attack.

A spokesman for Bannu District Hospital, Muhammad Noman, commented on the severe damage to nearby houses and other buildings: "The roofs and walls have collapsed and that is the reason why we have to admit so many injured people."

Hospital reports

The hospital director Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan said: "So far we have registered 42 casualties, including 12 dead and 30 injured. Some of them are in critical condition but most are stable. All doctors, especially surgeons and medical staff, have been called to work as a medical emergency has been declared."

Additional tragedies

The explosions caused the roof of a nearby mosque to collapse as scores of worshipers were inside, rescue workers and provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif said. Rescuers trying to free people from the rubble said they had recovered the body of the mosque's imam.

Reactions to the attack

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed regret at the loss of life. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur called for an investigation into the incident.

History of attacks in Bannu

Militants have targeted Bannu several times. In November, a suicide car bombing killed 12 soldiers and injured several others at a security post. In July, a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle near the outer wall of the military facility.