Quetta, February 17 – Around 11 Pakistani security personnel were killed in a targeted suicide car bombing at a joint checkpoint in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported on Tuesday, citing confirmation from the military's media wing.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack, involving a vehicle laden with explosives, took place on February 16 at a Frontier Corps security post in Bajaur near the Afghanistan border.
Leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported that the checkpoint, located in a former religious school building in Bajaur, was completely destroyed, and bodies were later recovered from the rubble.
"A child living in a nearby house was also killed, while at least three people sustained serious injuries as surrounding homes were damaged by the powerful blast," the report mentioned. "Videos circulating online showed civilians attempting rescue efforts in the dark, pulling survivors from the debris, as concerns remained that civilian casualties could rise further."
The report further stated that Pakistan has witnessed a surge in suicide and militant attacks in recent months, including a deadly mosque bombing in Islamabad that killed dozens of worshippers.
On Monday, at least two people were killed and 14 others injured after an explosion occurred near the Miryan Police Station in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a police statement, the blast took place when explosive material planted on a motorcycle detonated. The two deceased individuals include a child, Dawn reported.
According to police sources, the blast occurred near shops located in front of the police station. Police personnel were not injured in the blast. However, civilians in the area were caught in the explosion. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
On February 7, two police personnel were injured in two separate attacks targeting police in the Bannu district, local media reported.
In January, a report said the security situation in Pakistan deteriorated sharply in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of rising conflict and violence in the country.
A total of 699 attacks were recorded in Pakistan in 2025, a 34 per cent increase from 2024, according to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 by PIPS. As many as 1,034 people were killed and 1,366 others injured in these attacks, demonstrating a 21 per cent rise in fatalities.
The conflict-related violence, including attacks, counterterrorism operations, border clashes, and abductions, increased to 1,124 incidents – a rise of 43 per cent from 2024.
