As per the latest Intelligence reports, the Bannu terror attack has been orchestrated from Afghanistan. The reports further claimed that a similar attack was carried out at the same place in the same manner last year in July 2024.
The reports further claimed that the sixteen suicide bombers all belonged to the Hafiz Gul Bahardur Group, a banned terrorist organization based in cross-border Afghanistan. The group had carried out a similar attack on the garrison last year when they rammed an explosive-laden vehicle in the garrison.
Talking to the foreign wire agency, Minister Pakhtoon Yar said that terrorists entered the cantonment from two different directions after an intense operation lasting several hours until this morning.
Grey smoke rose into the air after the two explosions, with gunfire heard throughout the night. “In this intense exchange of fire, five brave soldiers, after putting up a heroic resistance, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty,” the military said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that 13 civilians were also killed.
Read more: 16 terrorists killed, 13 civilians martyred in Bannu attack
32 civilians were injured due to the damage caused to the mosque and residential building by the suicide blasts. ISPR has called the attackers Khwarij elements in its press release.
“In the intense exchange of fire, five brave soldiers, after putting up a heroic resistance, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty,” the ISPR added.
“The assailants sought to breach the cantonment’s security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces. In their desperation, the attackers rammed two explosive-laden vehicles into the perimeter wall,” the statement read further.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the intruders with precision, eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers,” the statement said, adding that five soldiers were martyred during the efforts.
“The multiple suicide blasts resulted in the partial collapse of the perimeter wall, causing damage to the adjacent infrastructure. Tragically, a mosque and a civilian residential building in close proximity also suffered severe destruction, leading to the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians and injuries to 32 others,” the ISPR stated.