Security forces successfully prevented a large-scale Bannu terrorist attack on Tuesday, neutralizing at least six militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to security sources, the attackers attempted to breach the Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using two explosives-laden vehicles. However, they faced strong resistance from security personnel, resulting in fierce clashes and massive explosions.
The attackers, including suicide bombers, tried to storm the compound’s perimeter but were stopped at various entry points. Security forces managed to kill six terrorists and apprehend several others. The explosions caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a mosque and a residential house, whose roof collapsed due to the impact.
A spokesperson from the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) confirmed that at least 15 civilians lost their lives in the blast. The casualties included four children and two women, while 25 others sustained injuries.
This Bannu terrorist attack occurred just days after another suicide bombing at a religious school in the same province, where six people lost their lives. Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in such attacks since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
The attack bore similarities to an incident last July when the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group targeted the same military compound. At that time, a vehicle-borne explosion killed eight Pakistan Army soldiers. In retaliation, security forces eliminated ten militants.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, making 2023 the deadliest year in a decade. According to the Center for Research and Security Studies, over 1,600 people lost their lives in violent attacks last year.
Islamabad continues to accuse Kabul’s Taliban rulers of providing safe havens to militants planning cross-border attacks on Pakistan. However, the Afghan Taliban government strongly denies these allegations, insisting that they do not support any militant groups operating against Pakistan.
