13 civilians, 5 soldiers martyred; 16 terrorists killed in Bannu Cantt attack
Four suicide bombers were among slain terrorists: Mosque, building severely damaged in terror hit: Attackers identified as Afghan nationals: Agencies trace terrorists’ phone contacts in Afghanistan: Kabul asked to act against militants: President, PM, Interior Minister condemn attack, vow to crush terrorism
Security forces successfully repelled a deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment, eliminating 16 militants, including four suicide bombers, in a swift and decisive operation, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
Despite the heroic resistance by Pakistani troops, the brutal attack claimed the lives of 13 innocent civilians and 5 valiant soldiers, while 32 others sustained injuries.
The terrorists launched their assault immediately after Iftar yesterday, attempting to break through the security walls of the highly sensitive cantonment using two explosive-laden vehicles.
The attack led to massive explosions, causing widespread destruction in the area. However, alert security personnel responded swiftly, gunning down six terrorists in the initial phase.
ISPR confirmed that solid intelligence evidence links the attack to Afghan nationals. The masterminds of the assault were operating from Afghanistan, orchestrating the suicide bombings and infiltration attempts. The terrorists’ primary objective was to breach the military facility, but Pakistani forces neutralized the plot with deadly force.
Pakistan has issued a strong demand to the Afghan government, urging it to stop its soil from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
ISPR stated, “Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures for the protection of its borders and the complete elimination of terrorism.”
Among the martyrs, three civilians lost their lives inside a mosque, while others perished when an explosive-laden vehicle detonated, causing a market building to collapse.
Security sources have traced communications of the remaining terrorists in Bannu Cantt, confirming that they are actively coordinating with handlers in Afghanistan.
The deadly attack has been widely condemned by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. They honored the sacrifices of security personnel, offered condolences to grieving families, and vowed to wipe out terrorism from Pakistan’s soil.
Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor