Two explosions at a counter-terrorism office in north-west Pakistan have left at least 17 people dead, according to official statements, confirming that most of the victims were police officers.
Local authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told reporters that there is no evidence of a terrorist attack and that the explosions could have been caused by an electrical contact that lead ammunition to catch fire.
The explosion happened in the Swat valley, which was controlled by Islamist militants before they were forced out in 2009. Police said that more than 50 people were injured and buildings have collapsed, confirming that four of the victims were civilians.
The Pakistani Taliban group has carried out several attacks targeting security forces in recent months, but has not claimed involvement in these explosions.
Sohail Khalid, the regional commander of the counter-terrorism department told Reuters that the explosions did not appear to be terrorist. Khalid added, “There was a store where we had a huge quantity of weapons, and until now we believe that there might have some blast in it due to some carelessness” he said. “We are keeping all our options open.”
