CHARSADDA, Nov 12: Four security personnel and a civilian were killed on Wednesday when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden van into the gate of a government school which housed a military camp in Shabqadar in the outskirts of Charsadda.

The camp had been set up for carrying out search operations in the area. Residents and police said the explosives-laden passenger van with some luggage on its roof suddenly turned to the school building at high speed and exploded near the school gate, killing the four security personnel on the spot.

A rickshaw driver was killed when his vehicle was blown up. Eight security personnel and a passerby were injured in the bombing. Although security guards opened fire on the van, the bomber managed to reach the school gate and ram the vehicle into the boundary wall.

The explosion was so powerful that trees in the courtyard of the school were uprooted. The age of the suicide bomber was estimated to be between 17 and 18 years. A curfew was imposed in the area after the bombing and all bazaars and educational institutions were closed. Security forces took up positions and started patrolling the area. Troops pounded hideouts of militants with artillery.

Sources said that about 600 Taliban on the nearby Sheno Ghundai hill had started digging trenches and bunkers. Meanwhile, security forces arrested seven militants in Pir Qala and adjoining areas during a search operation. Local people have left their homes and moved to other areas fearing that a military operation will be launched in the area.