FIR registered over FC HQ attack

Attackers' photographs, fingerprints forwarded to NADRA; body parts sent for DNA testing

PESHAWAR:

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Peshawar on Tuesday registered a case over the suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters as the authorities confirm a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.

The FIR lays out the sequence of the assault and identifies the use of multiple suicide bombers, grenades and gunfire in a coordinated attempt to breach the FC installation.

The case was filed on the complaint of SHO Abdullah Jalal, invoking Sections 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, explosives offences, murder and other relevant provisions.

According to the FIR, three suicide bombers arrived at the FC Headquarters on a 125cc motorcycle. One attacker detonated himself at the main gate, while the remaining two entered the premises, hurling hand grenades and opening fire.

During the exchange, the second bomber also detonated his explosives inside the compound.

Moreover, more than 27 bullet casings were recovered from the scene, and the terrorists' actions caused severe damage to national security and government property.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and all angles of evidence are being examined to trace the terrorists' network.

Meanwhile, in a related development, authorities have reported progress in the investigation of the attack.

According to the CTD, three suicide attackers approached the building on a single motorcycle via Kohat Road. After parking the motorcycle at a distance, they proceeded on foot, and were armed with Kalashnikov rifles and eight hand grenades.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three FC personnel and injuries to 11 others, including both security forces and civilians. All three attackers were killed in retaliatory action. Their body parts have been sent for DNA testing, and the motorcycle used in the attack has been seized as evidence.

CCTV footage shows one of the attackers hiding for an extended period behind an electric pole near Sunehri Masjid Road before approaching the gate and blowing himself up.

K-P Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that the attackers' photographs, fingerprints and other evidence have been forwarded to NADRA for verification.

Moreover, preliminary investigations suggest all three attackers were Afghan nationals. Authorities have largely tracked their movements and backgrounds. However, no facilitators have been arrested thus far.