A blast targeting a police armoured personnel carrier (APC) in the Hathala area of Kulachi tehsil, Dera Ismail Khan, killed two policemen on Thursday, including the driver, officials said.

According to police, the improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as the APC was passing through the area, leaving seven others injured. A heavy contingent of police rushed to the site and cordoned off the area.

Rescue teams shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

DPO Dera Ismail Khan Sahibzada Sajjad said a search operation was underway to track down the perpetrators. He added that police units were sweeping the surrounding localities to secure the area.

The DSP confirmed that all injured personnel had been moved to medical facilities for treatment as investigations continued into the attack.