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PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - Authorities reported that the death toll from a suicide attack on a security post in northwest Pakistan has risen to 14 police officers as of early Sunday.

The attack was claimed by a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban. The incident occurred late Saturday in Bannu, a district located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. A suicide bomber, accompanied by several gunmen, detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near the security post, resulting in a fierce shootout that led to casualties among the officers. Rescue Operations and Casualties Following the attack, rescuers conducted an extensive search operation, utilizing heavy machinery to recover bodies from the rubble of the collapsed building, according to senior police official Sajjad Khan. Additionally, three police officers sustained injuries during the assault. Funeral Services for Victims On Sunday, hundreds gathered at the police headquarters in Bannu to pay their respects at the funerals of the deceased officers. Uniformed colleagues observed a moment of silence as coffins, draped in the national flag, were carried past grieving family members. The atmosphere was somber, with some relatives visibly distraught as a Muslim cleric led the funeral prayers under heightened security.

Security Response and Investigations In response to the attack, security forces have initiated operations to apprehend the individuals responsible. The newly formed militant group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the assault through a statement issued to the media. Authorities suspect the group may serve as a front for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), despite its claims of being comprised of splinter factions. Context of Rising Violence Pakistan has experienced a notable increase in militant violence in recent years, much of which is attributed to the TTP, a separate entity allied with the Afghan Taliban, who regained control in Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad frequently accuses the Taliban government of Afghanistan of providing refuge to the TTP, a claim that has been consistently denied by Kabul. Government Condemnation President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the suicide attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims in an official statement. He urged local authorities to assist the injured and those whose homes were affected by the explosion. Zardari remarked, "Terrorists operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan under the Taliban administration and supported externally are targeting civilians and law enforcement personnel in Pakistan." He further vowed to address the facilitators and sponsors of such attacks.

Political Response Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his condemnation of the attack, emphasizing the need for a unified response to rising terrorism. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been ongoing, with both nations engaged in conflicts that have resulted in numerous casualties since late February. Recent Peace Talks Earlier in April, Afghan and Pakistani officials participated in peace talks mediated by China. Despite these discussions, sporadic cross-border clashes have persisted, albeit at a reduced intensity compared to previous confrontations.