SWAT: The death toll from Sunday’s devastating suicide attack near Kabal police station in Swat has risen to 17 with the confirmed death of police constable Mukarram Khan who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Saidu Sharif Hospital.
Seven police personnel and 10 civilians have been martyred, while 23 others sustained injuries in the blast claimed by the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorist group.
The explosion, which occurred near the gate of Kabal police station in the evening hours, detonated among a large crowd of residents who had gathered at nearby Kabal Chowk for a public demonstration demanding government action against the escalating violence plaguing the Swat Valley.
According to Swat District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan, the suicide bomber attempted to bypass security personnel at the entrance of the police station before detonating the explosives.
“The attacker detonated the device after police personnel attempted to stop and search him at the entrance,” the DPO stated in a brief statement to journalists.
Initial investigations have confirmed the attack as a suicide bombing, with bomb disposal experts examining the nature of the explosion and the explosives used.
A case has been registered at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station against unknown persons, incorporating charges of murder, attempted murder, and terrorism among other sections of the law.
The head of the attacker was recovered at the scene, according to police investigations.
Preliminary evidence suggests the bomber was an Afghan national, though authorities said final confirmation would be made upon completion of investigations.
A search operation has been launched in the surrounding areas to apprehend possible facilitators and accomplices involved in planning and executing the attack.
