MILITARY

Pakistani forces successfully neutralized 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers, after an audacious terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday evening. The deadly encounter resulted in the martyrdom of five soldiers, while 13 civilians lost their lives due to the destruction caused by suicide blasts.
The attack, launched by TTP-linked militants, involved two explosive-laden vehicles crashing into the high-security zone’s perimeter, leading to intense gunfire between terrorists and security forces.
Heroic Defense by Security Forces
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the brave troops foiled the terrorists’ nefarious plans with precision strikes, ensuring they could not infiltrate the cantonment.
“In the intense exchange of fire, five brave soldiers embraced martyrdom, while all 16 terrorists were eliminated,” the ISPR confirmed.
However, the multiple suicide blasts resulted in severe infrastructure damage, causing a mosque and a residential building to collapse. This led to the tragic loss of 13 innocent civilians, while 32 others sustained injuries.
Government Condemns Attack, Vows Retaliation
The attack has been widely condemned by top government officials:
🔹 President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives.
🔹 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that the TTP is an enemy of Pakistan, stating that "cowardly terrorists who target civilians in Ramazan deserve no mercy."
🔹 KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered an official inquiry, while Governor Faisal Karim Kundi termed the attackers “enemies of humanity.”
Afghan Involvement & Cross-Border Terrorism
ISPR revealed that intelligence reports confirm the involvement of Afghan nationals in orchestrating this attack from Afghan soil.
“Pakistan expects the Afghan interim government to prevent terrorist activities from its territory,” the military’s statement read, adding that Pakistan reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to cross-border threats.
For months, Pakistan has warned Kabul about TTP’s safe havens in Afghanistan. Despite repeated assurances, terrorist attacks continue to escalate.
Uptick in Terror Attacks in KP & Pakistan’s Response
Bannu has been a hotbed of terrorist activity in recent months. Last year, a similar attack in July killed eight security personnel, while another suicide bombing in November martyred 12 troops.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (Piccs) reported a 79% increase in terror incidents in February alone. Security forces, however, have intensified counter-terrorism operations, eliminating over 150 terrorists in recent months.
A Nation Stands Resilient
Despite the tragic loss, Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to eradicate terrorism from the country. The sacrifices of brave soldiers and innocent civilians only strengthen the resolve to safeguard the nation’s peace and security.