BOMB BLAST AT POLICE HQ

On 18 December 2009 a car bomb exploded outside a mosque near the police headquarters in Lower Dir district, located in the North West Frontier Province. Authorities reported that the attack killed at least 12 people, including several police officers, and injured at least 28 others. The blast also caused severe damage to the mosque and started a fire that spread to nearby buildings. Officials believe the attack targeted police officers, who often attend Friday prayers at the mosque. The bomber initially attempted to enter the mosque during prayer time, but was forbidden by security personnel for unspecified reasons. He then returned to his vehicle and detonated the explosives it contained.