PESHAWAR: As many as 11 security personnel, including an officer, were martyred in Swat’s Kabal area on Saturday evening when a suicide attacker targetted an Army unit, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The attack on the Army unit also injured 13 other security personnel.
Initial reports suggest that the blast took place near a volleyball ground in the area.
Sources said Army officials were playing in a volleyball match when the bomb went off.
Security forces and police have cordoned off the area and a search operation was launched to arrest the assailants.
The Army’s media wing added that the attacker targetted the sports area of the armed forces’ unit.
Meanwhile, the injured were taken to Saidu Teaching Hospital in Mingora, Swat.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi strongly condemned the suicide attack in Swat.
In a statement on Saturday, he prayed for martyrs and the early recovery of injured. He also commiserated with the bereaved families.
He added that the coward enemy cannot fight with Pakistan’s valiant soldiers and such cowardly acts cannot deter the country’s resolve for the elimination of terrorism.
Prime Minister Abbasi said the war against terrorism will continue till the elimination of the last terrorist from Pakistan.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the suicide attack and expressed grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of officials of the security forces. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of the injured persons. He paid glowing tributes to the martyred officials of the security forces, saying their sacrifices will not go in vain. He said, “Those who render sacrifices for the future of the nation are our heroes.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as further information is received.