Suicide Attack on Pakistan Checkpoint Kills 15 Security Personnel; 12 Militants Dead
A suicide bomber accompanied by armed militants attacked a security checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 15 security personnel, the military confirmed on Friday.
The assault occurred in the Tank district, where security forces initially repelled the attackers, killing 12 militants during the exchange of fire, according to a military statement. The attackers then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the checkpoint, causing a powerful explosion that severely damaged the facility.
Those killed included 12 soldiers, two police officers, and a former forest department official. The military did not specify if any militant group had claimed responsibility, but the region has witnessed a surge in attacks by groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in recent months.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for militant activity. The attack underscores ongoing security challenges in the area, despite repeated military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks.
No civilians were reported killed in the incident. Authorities have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation for any remaining suspects.
