NEW DELHI: At least nine people, including police personnel and civilians, were killed in a powerful bomb explosion in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to local authorities.

The blast reportedly targeted a security vehicle in a sensitive area of the province, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks in recent months. Several others were injured in the explosion and have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack. Officials fear the death toll could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition.

No group had officially claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting. However, the region has frequently witnessed violence linked to militant outfits operating near the Afghanistan border.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.