Suicide VBIED attack kills 11, injures 30 at Darazinda checkpost in DI Khan

At least 11 people were killed and 30 others injured after a suspected suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) struck

ISLAMABAD / DERA ISMAIL KHAN:  At least 11 people were killed and 30 others injured after a suspected suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) struck a joint anti-smuggling checkpost near Darazinda in Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday, according to rescue officials and security sources.

The blast took place at the Aman Mela checkpost on the DI Khan-Quetta Road near Mughal Kot, close to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Balochistan border. The checkpoint is used for anti-smuggling operations and is manned by personnel from multiple departments, including police, customs, excise and wildlife authorities.

According to initial reports, an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the checkpost at around 3:30pm to 4pm before detonating. The Bomb Disposal Squad was dispatched to the site to determine the exact nature of the explosives and examine evidence recovered from the scene.

Rescue 1122 officials said 11 people were killed in the explosion, including eight men, two women and a child, while 30 others sustained injuries. The casualties reportedly included personnel from police, customs and excise departments as well as civilians.

Rescue teams immediately launched an operation following the blast. Rescue 1122 District Emergency Officer Muhammad Arif Khan directed the deployment of four additional ambulances along with medical and rescue personnel. Six ambulances, a fire vehicle and more than 25 rescue workers were also deployed to assist in relief and evacuation efforts.

Initially, 20 injured people were provided medical treatment before being referred to hospitals in Darazinda and Mufti Mahmood Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan. The number of injured later reached 30 as rescue teams continued to recover victims from the affected area.

Rescue 1122 spokesman Bilal Faizi confirmed that a blast had occurred at the Aman Mela checkpost and said rescue personnel were engaged in recovering casualties and providing emergency assistance.

Police said the incident occurred near Mughal Kot and Darazinda along the DI Khan-Quetta Road. Bomb disposal personnel were sent to the location while police, security forces and Counter Terrorism Department teams cordoned off the area and began a search and clearance operation.

Investigators were also collecting evidence from the blast site to determine the type and quantity of explosives used in the attack. The area was sealed as security personnel conducted further searches.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to initial agency reports. The claim has not been independently verified. Pakistani authorities commonly refer to the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij.

The attack comes amid continued militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where police and security installations have repeatedly been targeted. Dera Ismail Khan and surrounding areas have experienced several militant attacks in recent months.

Earlier this month, police reportedly foiled an attempted attack on a checkpost in the Daraban area of DI Khan. The latest incident also follows the September 19 suicide attack at the Kohat Police Lines, in which 23 people were killed.

Security personnel remained deployed around the Darazinda blast site as rescue and clearance operations continued. Authorities also tightened security in Dera Ismail Khan following the attack.

Officials said further details regarding the identities of the victims, the exact nature of the explosives and the circumstances surrounding the attack would be released after the completion of the investigation.