Security forces have identified the terrorists who launched a brazen attack on the Frontier Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar as Afghan nationals, according to an initial police investigation completed on Monday.
Sequence of the Coordinated Attack
The assault began when one suicide bomber approached the main gate on foot from Sanheri Masjid Road, cleverly concealing himself under a shawl. The attacker detonated his explosives at the checkpoint, immediately martyring three FC personnel who were stationed there. Fortunately, the blast did not cause significant damage to the main gate structure.
Immediately following the initial explosion, two additional attackers dressed in shalwar-kameez entered the compound through a side gate. Both were heavily armed with rifles and multiple hand grenades. The terrorists moved strategically toward the motorcycle stand within the headquarters and began firing indiscriminately.
Swift Response Thwarts Major Tragedy
Security forces responded with immediate and effective retaliatory gunfire, neutralizing both attackers within 30-40 meters of the main gate. The entire confrontation lasted only minutes, but prevented what could have been a much larger tragedy.
Police sources revealed that the attackers intended to take hostages, as senior officers and a large number of personnel were present during an ongoing parade at the time of the assault. The timely response by security forces prevented the terrorists from achieving this objective.
Evidence Points to Afghan Connection
Security officials confirmed that weapons and explosives recovered from the attackers helped establish their identity as Afghan nationals. The initial police report has formally documented this finding, though investigations continue to uncover further details about the planning and support network behind the attack.
The Frontier Constabulary Headquarters has now been completely cleared and secured, with normal operations resuming following thorough search operations. The swift resolution of the crisis demonstrates the preparedness of Pakistan's security forces in dealing with terrorist threats.
