Forensic investigation begins after Peshawar FC suicide bombing

Attackers park their motorcycle at short distance from main premises before launching attack

Investigation into the suicide bombings at the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar on Monday is focusing on forensic evidence and the movement of the attackers before the incident. Authorities have collected the bodily remains of the terrorists, which have been sent to a laboratory for DNA analysis.

The results will help establish the identities of the attackers and any potential linkages to militant networks operating in the region, Counter-Terrorism Department says.

Initial findings indicate that the three terrorists arrived together on a single motorcycle. Their route has been traced through Kohat Road and the Civil Quarters area, after which they proceeded towards the FC Headquarters. The investigators revealed that the attackers parked their motorcycle at a short distance from the main premises before launching the assault.

The CTD confirmed that the terrorists were heavily armed at the time of the attack. Their weapons included Kalashnikov rifles and more than eight hand grenades, suggesting that they were prepared for a prolonged confrontation and intended to maximize casualties.

The motorcycle used for transportation has been seized by the police and is now part of the forensic examination, which may provide additional leads on where the attackers originated and who might have facilitated their movement.

Read: Three martyred, 11 injured in suicide attack on FC headquarters in Peshawar

Earlier on Monday, three suicide bombers targeted the headquarters of a Pakistani paramilitary force, martyred three FC personnel and injured 11.

The first suicide attacker approached the headquarters on foot and attempted to enter via the Saddar side. The blast occurred at 8:11am, but security personnel prevented the bomber from moving past the barrier. The assailant’s companions also tried to enter the compound but were stopped by security personnel.

“All three militants were killed during the response operation,” K-P Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said. All the terrorists were wearing suicide bomber jackets, according to sources.

The blast occurred while a parade was underway at the headquarters. Around 450 personnel were present during the parade, initial information suggests.