Dera ismail khan: At least seven policemen were killed and 13 others injured when militants attacked a police training center in the northwestern Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Saturday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the assault began on Friday night when an explosion occurred at the main gate of the training center located in Dera Ismail Khan district. Following the explosion, several armed militants entered the compound, sources disclosed on the condition of anonymity.

In the ensuing conflict, three militants were killed in retaliatory fire. A search operation is still ongoing within the facility, the sources added. Security forces, including Special Services Group troops called in from a nearby fort, quickly responded to the site and engaged the assailants in a heavy exchange of fire.

Emergency responders transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where several individuals are reported to be in critical condition. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.