Deadly suicide bombing targeting anti-militant protesters in Pakistan

At least 14 people have been killed in a suicide bombing that targeted protesters at an anti-militant rally in northwestern Pakistan, officials say.

The attack happened in the Swat Valley town of Kabal, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where demonstrators had gathered near a police station, chanting anti-militant slogans and demanding peace.

The victims included five police officers and eight civilians, according to a police official who said the 14th person to die was believed to be the suicide bomber.

At least 18 other people were injured in the attack as police launched an operation to arrest anyone who may have helped the bomber.

Shortly before the atrocity, speakers at the rally accused authorities of failing to act decisively against militants, according to witnesses.

Militancy in the country's border areas has increased ⁠sharply in recent months, targeting mainly the military and police.

In response, residents have repeatedly organised anti-Taliban rallies to protest against the militants' presence.

The Swat Valley was once a stronghold of Islamic militants who imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law.

Then in 2007, Pakistan's military carried out a major operation that drove them out and restored government control.

However, militants have resurfaced in the valley, fuelling fears the Pakistani Taliban are seeking to regain a foothold in the region.

In a statement, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The TTP is separate from, but allied with, Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.

Many of its leaders and fighters have found sanctuary in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power there in 2021.

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Pakistan's government has blamed the Afghan Taliban for ⁠the escalation in militancy, accusing it of providing ​support to the militants.

The Taliban government has denied ​the accusations.

(c) Sky News 2026: Deadly suicide bombing targeting anti-militant protesters in Pakistan