The death toll from an attack targeting a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan has risen to 12 police officers killed. Eight others were injured. Pakistani police sources stated Sunday that the attack occurred Saturday night. It took place in the Bannu region, near the Afghan border. A suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives near the checkpoint.
The blast caused the entire building to collapse. Dozens were trapped under the rubble. Clashes erupted immediately after the explosion. They involved militants and security forces. The fighting lasted more than two hours. Attackers used machine guns and drones.
An emergency management official reported a state of maximum alert. This alert was declared in all regional hospitals. The injured were transferred to intensive care units. Concerns remain that the death toll could rise. This is due to the severity of some injuries.