A city is in mourning following a devastating twin suicide bombing that claimed 12 lives.

The attack targeted a military base in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, on Tuesday evening as residents were breaking their Ramadan fast and attending prayers at a nearby mosque. Two suicide bombers detonated explosives near the base’s perimeter wall, allowing a group of armed attackers to storm the compound and engage in intense gunfire with soldiers.

The powerful blasts caused extensive destruction, collapsing walls, tearing off roofs, and severely damaging the mosque. Thirty people were also injured, some critically. The number of military casualties remains unknown as official figures have yet to be released.

On Wednesday, the city observed a day of mourning, with schools and most businesses closed. A mechanical digger cleared debris from destroyed homes, while prayer mats lay scattered in the mosque’s rubble. Rescue workers recovered the bodies of three worshippers trapped under the collapsed roof.

Security forces continued combing the area Wednesday morning, with sporadic gunfire still heard as they searched for any remaining militants. Joint funeral prayers for the victims were scheduled at a local sports complex, according to community elder Alam Khan.

A security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the two suicide bombers detonated near the military base wall. Following the breach, five to six more attackers attempted to infiltrate the cantonment but were neutralized.

Bannu, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghanistan border, is an area where multiple armed groups operate. The Pakistani Taliban-affiliated group Jaish Al-Fursan has claimed responsibility, stating that the attack was carried out using explosive-laden vehicles.