A terrorist attack targeting Bannu Cantonment on Monday martyred eight members of the security forces, while a retaliatory operation killed 10 terrorists, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
A press release issued by the military’s media wing today stated that an attempt by 10 terrorists to enter Bannu Cantonment in the early hours of Monday was “effectively thwarted” by security forces personnel, “which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the cantonment.”
The suicide blast caused a portion of the wall to collapse and damaged infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of eight security personnel, the statement said.
The martyrs were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, 44; Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, 39; Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, 28; Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, 30; Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, 22; Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, 30; Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, 26, of the Pakistan Army, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali, 34, of the Frontier Constabulary.
“In the ensuing operation, our troops effectively engaged the terrorists, resulting in all ten terrorists being sent to hell,” the statement said.
“This timely and effective response by the security forces prevented a major catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives.
“The gallant and selfless action of the security forces is a testament to their unrelenting resolve in the fight against terrorism.”
The ISPR attributed the “heinous act of terrorism” to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, “which operates from Afghanistan and has used Afghan soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism inside Pakistan in the past as well.”
Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns with the Interim Afghan Government, asking them to deny persistent use of Afghan soil by terrorists and take effective action against such elements, the statement read.
“Pakistan Armed Forces will continue defending the motherland and its people against the menace of terrorism and will take all necessary measures as deemed appropriate against these threats emanating from Afghanistan.”
A day ago, officials told Dawn that militants stormed a check post adjacent to a supply depot, adding that bombers hit the boundary wall of the cantonment near the depot in their attempt to force their entry, but security forces besieged them.
“Two suicide bombers attacked the check post initially, and then a few others managed to enter, but they were besieged,” the officials said.
They stated that security personnel were fully alert and engaged the militants, foiling the attack with a timely response. Soldiers fought bravely.
A police official said they increased patrolling in urban and rural localities of Bannu district after the explosion, adding that roads leading to the cantonment were sealed as part of measures to avert any loss to citizens during the exchange of fire between security forces and militants.
Locals said the magnitude of the blast could be judged from the fact that it was heard far and wide in the area. A resident said he heard the explosion in Domel town, some 15km from Bannu city. They said they saw black smoke billowing above the site and also heard gunshots in the cantonment area.
The residents said the blast caused damage to nearby houses and shops, smashing windowpanes and blowing up shutters of outlets.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist activities in the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.
