Security forces foiled a major terrorist assault on the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters in Quetta on Tuesday, where a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle carrying 30 kilograms of explosives. Officials said the attackers were armed with a cache of weapons, including 15 hand grenades, three under-barrel grenade launchers, and four Kalashnikov rifles, all of which were recovered after the assault was repelled. Six militants were killed in the operation.
The attack occurred around 11:30 a.m. when an explosives-laden Suzuki rammed into the FC Headquarters gate in Model Town, causing a powerful blast that damaged buildings, vehicles, and a passenger bus nearby. The explosion shattered windows hundreds of feet away and spread panic across the area.
Police said four armed militants attempted to storm the compound immediately after the blast but were intercepted and gunned down by FC personnel, who prevented mass casualties.
Provincial Health Minister Bakhsh Mohammad Kakar confirmed that 10 people, including two FC soldiers, lost their lives, while more than 30 others were injured. “The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital and CMH Quetta, where several remain in critical condition,” he said. An emergency was declared in all major hospitals of the city.
A bomb disposal squad report later confirmed that 30 kg of high-intensity explosives were used in the blast. The seized hand grenades, grenade launchers, and rifles indicated the militants had planned a large-scale assault inside the FC compound.
CCTV footage shows the suicide vehicle swerving toward the FC gate before exploding in a massive fireball.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the quick response of FC personnel, stating, “The attackers attempted to storm the FC Headquarters after the suicide blast, but our soldiers eliminated all four gunmen outside the gate.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Acting President Yousaf Raza Gillani, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, commending security forces for killing the militants. “Those who conspire against Pakistan’s sovereignty will be given exemplary punishment,” the Prime Minister said.
