At least 21 police officers were killed in northwestern Pakistan after a suicide car bombing and armed assault targeted a police post in Bannu district near the Afghan border.

The attack was claimed by the militant alliance Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, which reportedly used an explosives-filled vehicle, gunmen, and drones during the assault.

The powerful explosion destroyed much of the checkpoint, leaving rubble, burned vehicles, and widespread damage in nearby civilian areas.

Security officials said additional police forces responding to the attack were later ambushed, causing more casualties, Al-Jazeera has reported.

Several people were injured, hospitals declared an emergency, and rescue teams were sent to the scene.