Afghan security officials inspect the scene of a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, 16 November 2017 (Picture: EPA)

A police officer wrapped his arms around a suicide bomber in a selfless bear hug that saved countless lives.

Lieutenant Sayed Basam Pacha did not hesitate for a second when he was approached by a suicide bomber on Thursday.

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When the suspect was ordered to stop by Lt. Pacha, 25, he started running towards a crowd – including many dignitaries – in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The officer stepped towards the suspect and enveloped him in a bearhug. Just a second after Pacha wrapped his arms around the suspect, his explosive device detonated and they were both killed.


Afghan security officials inspect the explosion site after a suicide attack in front of a wedding hall in Kabul, Afghanistan on November 16, 2017 (Picture: Getty)

In total, fourteen people were killed and another 18 injured by the bomb.

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It’s believed that Lieutenant Pacha’s sacrifice saved many lives.



Police spokesperson Basir Mujahed told the New York Times that seven police and 11 civilians were among the injured, adding the death toll would have been far higher if the officer had not taken the full force of the blast.

‘He’s a hero, he saved many lives.

‘All seven of those policemen are heroes, but especially him. Just think if that suicide attacker got past the gate, what would have happened — you cannot even imagine,’ he said.

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Lieutenant Sayed Basam Pacha had two degrees and previously studied in Turkey.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said the attacker struck at the entrance to the wedding hall where the event was being held.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. The Taliban denied any involvement.

Islamic State (Isis) claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack on 16 November in the northeast of the capital city outside a hotel Picture: EPA)