12 martyred, 35 injured in Darazinda suicide attack as TTP claims responsibility

At least 12 people were martyred and 35 others injured when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the Aman Mela joint police

DERA ISMAIL KHAN / ISLAMABAD: At least 12 people were martyred and 35 others injured when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the Aman Mela joint police and Customs checkpoint in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday.

The powerful explosion caused extensive damage to the checkpoint and a nearby house, while several vehicles and surrounding structures were also affected. Rescue 1122 teams immediately reached the site and launched a search, recovery and relief operation.

According to officials, the attack took place on the Dera Ismail Khan-Quetta route near Darazinda, an area located close to the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The checkpoint is used for security and checking operations along the route, including efforts to curb smuggling.

Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Maken confirmed that the death toll from the blast had risen to 12, while 35 people were injured. Initial reports differed over the composition of the casualties, with later police and rescue officials confirming that those killed included nine men, two women and a minor. A Customs official was also among the victims.

The injured included civilians and officials and were shifted to hospitals in Dera Ismail Khan for treatment. Rescue authorities deployed multiple ambulances, emergency personnel and firefighting equipment to deal with the aftermath of the explosion.

Rescue workers targeted

In a separate incident following the bombing, a Rescue 1122 ambulance transporting victims from the blast site came under fire.

One rescue worker, identified as Sharifullah, was killed in the attack, while two others, Anees and Imtiaz, were critically injured. Imtiaz later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, according to Rescue 1122 officials.

Despite the attack on the ambulance, rescue teams continued recovery and evacuation operations and transported the victims to medical facilities.

TTP claims responsibility

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by Pakistani authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, according to state media and Pakistani news reports.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and a broader increase in militant violence in Pakistan’s northwestern regions.

Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused militant groups, particularly the TTP, of operating from Afghan territory and have called on Kabul to prevent attacks against Pakistan. Afghan authorities have rejected such allegations.

Investigation underway

Security agencies have launched an investigation into the bombing, while bomb-disposal personnel examined the site to determine the nature and origin of the explosives used in the attack.

Police and other security agencies have also begun efforts to determine how the attacker reached the checkpoint and whether additional individuals were involved in planning or facilitating the attack.

The Darazinda bombing has once again highlighted the security challenges faced by law-enforcement personnel and civilians in the region.

As rescue and investigation operations continue, authorities have vowed to pursue those responsible for the attack and bring facilitators and accomplices to justice.