UPDATE - 5 militants killed after suicide bomber attacks security installation in northwestern Pakistan

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By Islamuddin Sajid and Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD (AA) - At least five militants who stormed a security forces’ compound in northwestern Pakistan were killed, while 20 people, including security personnel, were injured Tuesday, according to police and rescue officials.

Suspected suicide bombers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the compound, which serves as headquarters of the paramilitary force Frontier Constabulary in the Bannu district of northwestern Khyber Phaktunkhwa province, provincial police chief Zulfiqar Hameed told reporters, hours after security personnel began an operation against the attackers.

"Operation has been completed, and all the five attackers have been killed," he added.

According to the provincial rescue department, 18 security personnel and two civilians were transferred to a hospital.

Earlier, a police officer told reporters that a powerful explosion was followed by heavy gunfire and several explosions.

Resident Karim Khan said parts of the vehicle were seen scattered along Kohat Road.

"We are near the spot, still hearing heavy firing and explosions in the area," he told Anadolu.

Police sealed the area around the constabulary’s headquarters and residents were asked to stay away until the operation is completed.

Pakistan has seen an uptick in militant attacks in recent years.

Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul of failing to prevent militants from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a conglomerate of various militant groups, from carrying out attacks in Pakistan, then seeking refuge in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan denies the charges and reaffirms its commitment to not allowing cross-border militant operations.