At least three people were killed Monday when gunmen attacked the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar, northwest of Pakistan, according to security officials.
The attack began with a suicide bomber detonating explosives at the main entrance of the compound, while a second assailant attempted to enter the premises but was shot and killed by security forces. Gunfire followed the initial blast, and the area was quickly sealed off.
Police officials said the attackers targeted the paramilitary headquarters during morning parade drills. According to Pakistani media, Peshawar Police Chief Saeed Ahmad said around 150 personnel were present on the grounds when the assault occurred. “The terrorists were on foot and failed to reach the parade area. A timely response by our forces prevented a much larger tragedy,” he said.
The facility is located in a densely populated neighborhood near the city’s military cantonment. Several explosions were heard in the vicinity, according to local residents.
The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, according to security sources.
Earlier this year, a suicide car bombing outside a paramilitary base in Quetta killed at least 10 people. On Nov. 11, another suicide bomber targeted a police vehicle near a district court in Islamabad, killing 12 and injuring 27. Both attacks were claimed by TTP or its affiliates, which have intensified operations in recent months and called for the implementation of Islamic law in Pakistan.
