RAWALPINDI: A Motorcycle-borne suicide bomber on Thursday exploded himself on a military convoy in general area Jani Khel, Bannu District, leaving nine soldiers martyred.
“On 31 August 2023, a Motorcycle borne suicide bomber exploded himself on a military convoy in general area Jani Khel, Bannu District. Resultantly, nine soldiers including Naib Subedar Sanobar Ali, embraced shahadat, while five soldiers were injured,” an ISPR handout said.
The area has been cordoned by security forces and sanitization is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.
“Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.
Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has condemned the attack and expressed grief over the martyrdom of the soldiers.
Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Heartbroken by the loss of 9 valiant soldiers in Bannu Division, KP, to a cowardly terrorist act that injured many.”
The premier called such acts “utterly reprehensible” and said his thoughts were with the families of the martyred and injured. “Pakistan stands resolute against such terror,” he added.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, after the outlawed TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.
