TWO suicide bombers and a gunman attacked the headquarters of a security force in north-western Pakistan this morning, killing three officers and wounding 11 others, police and rescue officials said.

The assault occurred in Peshawar, capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as security personnel prepared for the morning parade at the Federal Constabulary’s provincial headquarters.

Police Chief Saeed Ahmad said that one attacker detonated explosives at the main gate, while the second bomber and an accomplice were shot dead near the parking area.

About 150 personnel were assembled on open ground for parade drills, and Mr Ahmad said the attackers failed to reach them thanks to a quick response that prevented a “much larger tragedy.”

Police believe that three assailants took part in the attack and have collected body part samples from the two suicide bombers for DNA testing.

The wounded are all in stable condition, according to Lady Reading Hospital.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what Mr Zardari called a “cowardly act by foreign-backed terrorists,” praising the swift action of security forces.

No group has claimed responsibility, though the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) have carried out similar assaults amid a surge in militancy.

The TTP is separate from but aligned with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.

The attack follows a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad less than two weeks ago that killed 12 people, heightening tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating freely on Afghan soil, a claim Kabul denies. Pakistan has recently intensified operations near the Afghan border, killing dozens of insurgents.