PESHAWAR, March 18: Unknown militants blew up the 19-room building of government higher secondary school at Adezai village in the suburbs of Peshawar on Friday, police and locals said.

An official of the Bomb Disposal Unit said that nine time devices were exploded in the school building that completely destroyed its nine classrooms and partially damaged 10 others.

He said that all the devices were interconnected and exploded simultaneously. Parts of the devices had been found from the spot, he said and added that the explosives were packed in ghee tins.

An official of Matni police station said that exact number of terrorists could not be ascertained, but they were not more than 10. He said that the incident occurred at about 1:30am.

“We have beefed up security, but the area is so vast that terrorists can enter very easily,” he said.

Another source said that police had arrested two suspected militants identified as Saifullah of Darra Adamkhel and Munir of Matni area and they were being interrogated.

When contacted, head of the Adezai Qaumi Lashkar, Dilawar Khan, said that the simultaneous blasts shook the entire village. He said that volunteers came out of their houses, but did not proceed to the school.

“We have already suggested the authorities to deploy a platoon of paramilitary force or police in the area, as it is strategic point,” he said. Answering a question, he said that after deployment of Frontier Constabulary at the strategic points of FR Peshawar like Pastawana and Bora the militants had shifted to Pakha Parezi areas, from where they could easily enter Peshawar.