Deadly Terror Attack in Pakistan: 12 Killed in Military Complex Blast

Peshawar (The Uttam Hindu): A powerful explosion rocked a military complex in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday evening when two vehicles loaded with explosives detonated, killing 12 people, including three children. Several others were injured in the attack, which was later claimed by a terrorist group. The incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, just as people were breaking their fast. The attack involved massive explosions followed by gunfire.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it "beyond mercy." The blast took place in the restive Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an area frequently targeted by militants. Among the deceased were three children and two women, while 32 others sustained injuries.

According to officials, following the suicide bombings, 12 terrorists attempted to storm the military complex, but six of them were neutralized by security forces. A police officer reported that the explosions left two craters, each four feet deep, and due to the intensity of the blasts, at least eight nearby houses were damaged.

A militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been an active supporter of the Afghan Taliban in their fight against the U.S.-led NATO coalition since 2001. In a statement, the group declared, "Our fighters gained access to a key target and took control." Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack in a statement, calling it a "heinous act."

The incident marks yet another violent escalation in the region, raising concerns over Pakistan’s ongoing battle against terrorism and regional stability.