Suicide Blast in Swat Kills 15, Including Six Policemen

MINGORA (Special Correspondent): At least 15 people, including six police personnel, were martyred and 10 others injured in a suicide blast near Kabal Police Station in Swat district on Sunday.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, initial investigations suggest the explosion was a suicide attack. Bomb Disposal Squad officials are examining the scene, while a human head recovered from the site is believed to be that of the suicide bomber. Preliminary findings indicate that the attacker may have been an Afghan national, although authorities said the identity would be confirmed after forensic examination.

District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Muhammad Umar said the death toll had risen to 15, including six policemen. All the injured and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to Saidu Sharif Central Hospital, while a heavy police contingent cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Malakand Syed Fida Hussain said the suicide bomber attempted to enter Kabal Police Station but was intercepted by security personnel at the main gate. The attacker then detonated the explosive device near the entrance. He added that a protest by local youth was underway near the police station at the time of the blast, contributing to the high number of casualties.

Following the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police. He expressed condolences to the families of the martyred police personnel and civilians and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police continue to make immense sacrifices to protect the lives and property of citizens and vowed that anti-state elements would not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.