Suicide bombing at Domel police station in Bannu kills five civilians, injures 13

BANNU: At least five civilians were killed and 13 others were injured in a suicide car bombing at the Domel Police Station in Bannu, according to officials and rescue authorities.

The attack took place when a vehicle packed with explosives struck the rear side of the police station, setting off a powerful blast that was followed by an exchange of gunfire. The explosion was heard from miles away, according to initial reports.

Among those killed were four members of the same family — a husband, wife, daughter and son. The injured included one police officer.

District Emergency Officer Bakhtullah Wazir confirmed that five people were martyred and 13 injured were shifted to hospitals, including one policeman. He said search and rescue work was continuing and would go on until the area had been fully cleared.

According to initial reports, the blast completely destroyed the police station’s sentry post, while a substantial part of the building was reduced to rubble. The explosion also caused extensive damage in the surrounding residential area, where several houses collapsed and a number of people were trapped under the debris.

Rescue 1122 said the wounded were moved to nearby hospitals immediately after the attack, adding that some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

Rescue teams reached the site soon after the incident, but continuous rainfall hampered relief efforts. After the firing ended, rescue personnel began a full-scale operation to clear debris and recover those trapped beneath it.

Announcements were also made in local mosques asking residents to donate blood and assist in the emergency response. Local people joined the rescue effort alongside emergency workers.

Security forces later sealed off the area and launched a clearance operation. Authorities were still gathering further information about casualties and the extent of the damage.