QUETTA: One further fatality from the suicide attack near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters has died of wounds, bringing the death toll to 13, hospital sources.
Hospital sources identified the deceased as Muhammad Rafiq, son of Sadiq, a resident of Kalat, who succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital.
In this regard, the security personnel said assailants used an estimated 25 to 30 kilograms of explosives in a Suzuki van at the Pishin stop near the FC headquarters.
The suicide attacker was accompanied by five other armed militants who attempted to enter the headquarters from the one-way access.
Furthermore, the FC personnel engaged the attackers and killed all six militants, officials said. The blast shattered glass in nearby buildings and triggered panic in the area.
In this sense, the initial reports indicated that 12 people, including three FC personnel, were killed and 36 others wounded. The injured including eight security personnel and five women were shifted to the Civil Hospital trauma centre and other medical facilities, where emergency services were mobilised.
Moreover, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said fingerprints processed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) identified two attackers; one was from Mizee Adda and the other from Chagai district, names withheld.
So far, the parts of the other slain militants were transferred to Punjab for forensic analysis to establish identities and uncover network links.
In addition, the investigators recovered 15 hand grenades, three grenade launchers, four Kalashnikov rifles and other explosive material from the scene, the CTD said, pointing to a high level of organisation.
A case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 was registered, encompassing charges of murder, attempted murder and other serious offences.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack and praised the bravery of FC personnel.
Also Read: CTD Balochistan registered FIR in FC HQs attack case
The CM Balochistan directed immediate assistance for the families of the deceased and ensured the best possible treatment for the injured as officials vowed to bring perpetrators and facilitators to justice.
