Peshawar Terror Attack: 3 Security Personnel Killed in Suicide Bombing at FC Headquarters

Three security personnel were killed and two injured when suicide bombers attacked the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar on Monday morning. Three terrorists, including two suicide bombers, were killed in the retaliatory operation, and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility for the assault.

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Suicide Bombing at FC Headquarters

Key Points:

  • Three security personnel martyred, two injured in suicide attack at FC headquarters in Peshawar
  • Three terrorists killed, including two suicide bombers who detonated explosives at main gate
  • Attack occurred Monday morning around 8:10 AM in Saddar area near military cantonment
  • TTP claimed responsibility for the coordinated assault on paramilitary force
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned attack, praised security forces’ swift response
  • Emergency declared at Lady Reading Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospital
  • Area cordoned off, Sunheri Masjid Road closed for traffic and security operations

Peshawar: Gunmen and suicide bombers launched a deadly assault on the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar’s Saddar area around 8:10 AM Monday, killing three security personnel and injuring at least two others. The complex, located near a military cantonment in one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, came under attack when three militants attempted to storm the premises. One suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the main gate, causing a massive explosion that triggered panic throughout the surrounding residential and commercial areas. The blast was heard from a considerable distance, sending the entire compound into chaos.

Attackers Neutralized at Entrance

City Police Chief Mian Saeed confirmed that security forces successfully thwarted the terrorist plot, neutralizing all three attackers at the entrance. While one bomber blew himself up at the gate, the other two attempted to breach the compound but were shot dead by FC personnel before they could infiltrate further. Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed reported that two suicide explosions occurred inside the FC headquarters, one at the main gate and another near the motorcycle stand within the premises. The quick response by FC soldiers prevented a much larger catastrophe, as the attackers were eliminated before reaching critical areas of the facility.

TTP Claims Responsibility Amid Rising Violence

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack, though some initial reports indicated no immediate claim. The Pakistani military attributed the assault to Indian-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used by the state to refer to terrorists from the banned TTP organization. This incident represents the latest in a series of escalating militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has seen a surge in terrorist incidents since the TTP broke off a peace deal in November 2022. The attack occurred less than two weeks after TTP-affiliated militants executed a suicide bombing at a court in Islamabad, highlighting the growing security challenges facing Pakistan.

Emergency Response and Casualties

The injured security personnel were immediately transported to Lady Reading Hospital, where emergency protocols were activated. Hospital officials confirmed that at least six civilians were also injured in the attack, though all injured individuals remain in stable condition. Khyber Teaching Hospital similarly declared an emergency to handle potential additional casualties. The powerful explosions and subsequent gunfire caused widespread panic, with social media users reporting hearing two loud blasts echoing across the city.

High-Value Target for Terrorist Organizations

The Frontier Constabulary, recently renamed as the Federal Constabulary in July, represents a primary target for terrorist organizations due to its crucial role in Pakistan’s border security and counter-terrorism operations. The paramilitary force is particularly active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and along the Afghan border, where it has captured numerous high-profile terrorists and conducted major operations against militant groups. Its headquarters in Peshawar, one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable cities due to its proximity to the Afghan border where TTP maintains presence, houses barracks, medical facilities, and living quarters for security personnel.

Government Condemnation and Security Measures

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack, praising security forces for their “timely and swift response” that prevented greater harm. In an official statement, the Prime Minister offered prayers for the injured and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicate terrorism, promising to dismantle any plots against Pakistan. Security forces immediately cordoned off the entire area, closing Sunheri Masjid Road and surrounding streets to traffic while conducting thorough clearance operations. The attack coincided with a scheduled assembly for the start of the workweek at the main compound, suggesting careful timing by the attackers.

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