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11 Security Personnel Martyred in Suicide Attack on Bajaur Checkpost
A suicide vehicle bombing targeted a joint security checkpost in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, martyring 11 personnel and a young girl. Security forces eliminated 12 attackers in retaliation. Leaders condemn the attack, vowing to continue counterterrorism operations.
ND
by News Desk
2026-02-17
11 Security Personnel Martyred in Suicide Attack on Bajaur Checkpost

At least 11 security personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack involving an explosive-laden vehicle on a joint security checkpost in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack occurred on February 16 when militants attempted to target a joint checkpost of security forces and law enforcement agencies in Bajaur. The ISPR described the attackers as militants belonging to “Fitna al Khwarij,” a term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Security forces retaliated swiftly, eliminating 12 militants during the exchange of fire. The ISPR stated that the attackers, in what it described as an act of desperation, rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the checkpost. The powerful blast caused the infrastructure to collapse, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.

The explosion also impacted nearby residential buildings, leading to the martyrdom of a young girl. Seven other civilians, including women and children, were injured in the blast, according to the statement.

A sanitisation operation is currently underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants. The ISPR reiterated that security forces and law enforcement agencies are continuing a relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm e Istehkam,” aimed at eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.

“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the statement concluded.

Leadership Condemns Attack

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs. In a statement issued via the Pakistan Peoples Party’s media cell, he said the sacrifices made for the country’s defence strengthened national resolve. He reaffirmed that the elimination of terrorists operating with external support remains the state’s top priority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He extended sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

“The entire nation stands with Pakistan’s armed forces in this war against terrorism,” the prime minister said, vowing to root out terrorism from the country. He praised the security forces for their timely action in eliminating 12 militants and noted that significant progress was being made under the Azm e Istehkam strategy.

Rising Violence in KP

The latest attack comes amid a surge in militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Just days earlier, an additional station house officer was martyred during a terrorist assault on a police station in Bajaur’s War Mamund tehsil. In December 2025, a major-ranked officer was also martyred during an intelligence-based operation in the district.

According to the Annual Security Report 2025 by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a sharp increase in violence over the past year. Fatalities in the province rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025 — an increase of 711 deaths, representing over 82 per cent of the net national rise and nearly a 44 per cent year-on-year surge.

The escalation highlights ongoing security challenges in the province, as authorities intensify efforts to counter militant activity and restore stability.
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Pakistan

bajaur

TerrorAttack

KhyberPakhtunkhwa
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