The victims, who were travelling in the ambulance, died at the scene, the sources said, adding that the incident happened on Circular Road.

The bodies of the victims were later shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Bannu for post-mortem examination.

Authorities said the identities of the deceased have yet to be established, and efforts were underway to identify the victims.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the provincial inspector general of police.

In a statement, the chief minister condemned the attack, saying that targeting innocent civilians was deeply regrettable and that those responsible would be brought to justice.

He also expressed his condolences and sympathies with the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, a case has been rfiled against unidentified attackers.

“The motive behind the attack is still being determined and further investigation is under way,” said an official.