Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills many children

(CLO) Two suicide bombers collapsed the wall of a military base in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwestern Pakistan, allowing the remaining attackers to storm the complex.

Security forces repelled the attack on Tuesday, but the violence left at least 12 people dead and 30 others injured, according to local officials and hospitals.

"We have received 42 victims, 12 dead and 30 injured. Some are critical, but most are stable. A medical emergency has been declared and all medical staff are present," said Ahmed Faraz Khan, director of Bannu District Hospital.

The Jaish Al-Fursan group, which is linked to the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility and said dozens of Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Crowds gather near an ambulance outside a hospital after a suicide bombing in Bannu, Pakistan on March 4. Photo: Stringer

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two bombers blew themselves up near the wall of the vast military compound. "After the wall was breached, five to six other attackers tried to enter the barracks but were killed," he said.

The attack occurred in the evening, when many people were breaking their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. According to the militant group, the explosions came from vehicles carrying explosives.

After the blast, plumes of gray smoke rose into the air as gunfire rang out. Police officer Zahid Khan said four of the dead were children who lived near the attack. Several homes were destroyed, including a nearby mosque. Rescue workers found the imam’s body in the rubble.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of life. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ordered an investigation.

Bannu has been the target of several attacks in the past. Last November, a suicide car bombing killed 12 soldiers. In July, a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives, while other gunmen attacked an area near a military base.

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN, The Hindu)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/danh-bom-lieu-chet-o-pakistan-nhieu-tre-em-thiet-mang-post337157.html