Suicide attack on army checkpoint in northwest Pakistan, at least 11 security personnel and a child killed
At least 11 security personnel and a child were killed in a suicide attack by an armed group on an army checkpoint in northwest Pakistan. The casualties occurred when a vehicle laden with explosives rammed into the checkpoint on Tuesday (February 17).
According to the army, seven women and children were among the injured in the incident that took place on Monday in the Bajur district, which borders Afghanistan. It is learnt that the attackers were trying to enter a residential compound of soldiers. When security forces stopped them, they rammed the vehicle laden with explosives into the wall of the checkpoint.
Then, 12 attackers were killed in a counter-attack by security forces as they fled the scene. The Islamist group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to international media Reuters, the TTP has been waging an armed struggle against the Pakistani state since 2007. Their goal is to establish a strict Islamic regime in the country. The organization's attacks have increased since the ceasefire with the Islamabad government was withdrawn in late 2022.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has always accused Afghanistan of providing shelter and support to armed groups. However, the Taliban government has denied these allegations.
Earlier this month, more than 30 people were killed in a bomb attack during Friday prayers at a mosque in Islamabad. The militant organization Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack.
