In a deadly terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s namesake district, 16 terrorists were eliminated by Pakistani security forces, while five soldiers tragically lost their lives during the operation, according to the military’s media wing.
The attack took place on Tuesday evening when terrorists attempted to breach the high-security perimeter of the Bannu Cantonment by ramming two explosives-laden vehicles into the compound. The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the intruders, including four suicide bombers, were swiftly engaged and eliminated by the troops.
Despite the heroic defense, five soldiers were martyred in the fierce exchange of fire, the ISPR added. The explosions caused severe damage to the cantonment’s perimeter wall, affecting nearby structures. Tragically, 13 civilians lost their lives, and 32 others were injured as a mosque and a civilian building were destroyed in the blasts.
The ISPR described the attack as a “cowardly terrorist assault” carried out by elements of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Fitna al Khawarij. The attack was thwarted thanks to the quick and effective response of Pakistan’s security forces.
The military also noted intelligence reports confirming the involvement of Afghan nationals in orchestrating the attack, with the TTP allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan has called on Afghanistan’s interim government to take responsibility and prevent its soil from being used for cross-border terrorism.
In the aftermath of the attack, Pakistani officials have condemned the assault. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the fallen soldiers and condemned the loss of civilian life, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism. Local officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
This attack is part of a troubling rise in terror-related incidents in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant groups continue to target security forces and civilians.
