At least seven people were killed and more than two dozen others were injured after a suicide bomber detonated explosives during a wedding celebration in northwestern Pakistan.
The attack occurred Friday, Jan. 23, in Dera Ismail Khan, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Guests were gathered for the ceremony and dancing to traditional drum music when the bomber exploded an explosive vest inside the venue.
Initial reports confirmed three deaths at the scene, but the toll rose after several critically injured victims later died at the hospital. Authorities said some of the wounded remain in serious condition.
Local police chief Adnan Khan said emergency responders rushed victims to nearby hospitals immediately following the blast. Security forces sealed off the area and launched an investigation into the attack.
The wedding was being held at the residence of Noor Alam Mehsud, a pro-government community leader. The building also houses members of local peace committees — groups made up of residents and elders who work with the government to counter militant activity in areas near the Afghan border.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group has previously carried out suicide bombings and has publicly labeled peace committee members as traitors.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as Pakistani military forces prepare operations against armed groups operating along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Recent security measures have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have increased security in the area to prevent further attacks.