
According to local media, three suicide bombers targeted the FC complex. One detonated explosives at the main gate, killing three officers stationed there, while the other two were shot dead before they could enter the premises.
Peshawar Police Chief Mian Saeed Ahmad said a large number of security personnel were conducting morning parade drills in the open ground when the attack occurred. “The attackers failed to reach the parade area, and a prompt response by our forces prevented a much larger tragedy,” he added.
The explosion also injured at least six civilians, who were admitted to Lady Reading Hospital in stable condition. Emergency services were declared at both Lady Reading Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospital.
No group has claimed responsibility, but the Pakistan Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan) has been blamed for similar attacks in recent months. The group is allied with, but separate from, Afghanistan’s Taliban, reports UNB.
The attack comes less than two weeks after a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the Peshawar attack, praising the security forces for their timely response.