The Pakistani Taliban group has argued responsibility for the attack in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, saying dozens of Pakistani security forces have been killed. The military did not immediately confirm the casualties, but Vanne District Hospital said at least nine people were dead, the Washington Post reported.
Gray smoke rose into the air, with two explosions followed by gunshots, said officer Zahid Khan. The four murdered were children, hospital officials said. The victims lived near the scene of the explosion.
Mohammed Noman, a spokesman for Vanne District Hospital, said the evening explosion had blown up severely damaged homes and other buildings. “We are suffering casualties as the roof and walls collapsed,” he said.
The two suicide bombers exploded near a wall in a vast military area, security officials said they discussed on condition of anonymity as they were not permitted to speak to reporters.
“After violating the wall, five or six more attackers tried to enter the cantonment, but were eliminated, security officials said.
MA/PR