A suicide attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed at least 12 people in Dera Ismail Khan district on Saturday, while more than 30 others were reportedly injured. The attack targeted a police checkpoint in the Darazinda area.

According to preliminary information, a vehicle loaded with explosives was driven near the security checkpoint and detonated. The blast was powerful enough to cause panic in the surrounding area and damage several buildings. Soon after the incident, security forces and rescue teams cordoned off the area and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

Local officials said that both police personnel and civilians were among those killed. Some of the injured are reportedly in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase. Security agencies have begun an investigation and are collecting evidence from the scene.

Security has been tightened across the area following the attack. Additional security personnel have been deployed along major roads and at sensitive locations. Authorities have appealed to people to remain alert and avoid paying attention to rumours.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the claim has not been independently verified. In recent times, incidents of militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas have remained a major security challenge for Pakistan.

Officials said a detailed investigation into the incident is underway and action will be taken after identifying those involved in the attack.