A suicide bombing at an anti-militant rally in Pakistan has killed at least 14 people, according to reports by CBC News and FOX 26. The attack struck a gathering that had been called in the name of peace.
More than two dozen others were injured in the blast, according to FOX 26. The bombing took place in northwestern Pakistan.
The blast went off near the police station in the Swat Valley, according to FOX 26, targeting hundreds of demonstrators who had gathered for a peace rally. Police say the bomber entered the crowd as it gathered, placing the demonstrators close to a security presence when the explosion happened.
The crowd had come together chanting for peace, according to the report. Residents had gathered to press their demand for an end to the violence in the area.
The rally followed a recent resurgence of militant actions in the area, according to CBC News. That renewed violence had prompted people to take to the streets against the militants.
The rally had brought residents together in a public show against militancy, according to the reports. People had gathered to demand an end to the violence affecting the region.
Officers reported that most of those killed were civilians and police officers, according to FOX 26. More than two dozen people were wounded alongside the at least 14 killed.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to FOX 26. Security forces have blocked off the area as an investigation gets underway.