Terror strikes Peshawar: Suicide bombers attack paramilitary force headquarters; at least 3 terrorists killed

Peshawar: The Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Peshawar came under a major terror attack on Monday morning, setting off heavy gunfire and explosions in the densely populated neighbourhood near the military cantonment.

Confirming the assault, Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed Ahmad told Dawn: "The FC headquarters is under attack. We are responding, and the area is being cordoned off."

Pakistani media reports said the incident began when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of the FC headquarters, followed by intense firing. Initial reports suggest at least three terrorists were killed during the gun battle.

The FC headquarters, previously known as the Frontier Constabulary before being renamed in July, is located in a busy locality close to a major military establishment.

Local residents reported hearing “loud explosion-like sounds” before bursts of gunfire echoed across the area. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) posted videos showing continuous firing and widespread panic.

A senior official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity confirmed that the assault involved two suicide attackers.

“The first suicide bomber carried out an attack on the main entrance of the constabulary and the other one entered the compound,” the official said.

“Law enforcement personnel, including the army and police, have cordoned off the area and are carefully handling the situation as we suspect there are some terrorists inside the headquarters,” he added.

Peshawar Police Chief Saeed Ahmad told the media that the attack occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. He said one bomber detonated his explosives at the gate, while the second attacker was shot dead near the parking area.

Ahmad said a rapid response by security forces prevented greater casualties, adding that the situation was brought under control shortly after.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The assault comes weeks after a suicide explosion outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured at least 27.