11 Killed, 22 Injured in Terrorist Attack on Bannu Cantonment

Bannu, March 19 – At least 11 people, including five women and four children, lost their lives, and 22 others sustained injuries in a deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment on Tuesday evening. The attack involved two explosives-laden vehicles that were rammed into the perimeter of the high-security zone in an apparent attempt to breach its defenses.

According to security sources, the assailants detonated the vehicles at the entrance after being intercepted by security personnel. The attack, which occurred shortly after Iftar at around 6:30 PM, led to a fierce gun battle as militants attempted to infiltrate the camp, using RPGs and grenades against security forces.

In the exchange of fire, six attackers were killed by security personnel before they could penetrate the cantonment. Additional troops and Special Services Group (SSG) commandos were rushed to the area to neutralize the threat.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Among the 22 injured were 10 security personnel. The wounded civilians were taken to DHQ and KGN hospitals in Bannu, while injured troops were moved to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

The powerful blasts caused severe structural damage, leading to the collapse of several nearby houses and a mosque adjacent to the cantonment entrance. Many people, including worshippers, were trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams, along with medical personnel and ambulances, launched an urgent operation to pull survivors from the debris.

Claim of Responsibility

A faction of the outlawed Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, Jaish-i-Fursan Muhammad, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack on social media, though the claim has not been independently verified.

Government Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and praised security forces for their swift response. “Cowardly terrorists who target civilians during the holy month of Ramazan do not deserve any concessions,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif confirmed that all attackers had been eliminated and that an inquiry into the incident had been ordered by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Increasing Terror Attacks in Bannu

Bannu has witnessed a surge in militant attacks over the past several months. In October last year, police foiled a gun and bomb attack on Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines, resulting in the deaths of five terrorists and four police officials. In November, a suicide bombing on a security checkpoint claimed the lives of 12 soldiers, and in February this year, two policemen were martyred in an attack on a police post in Fatehkhel.

The latest attack underscores the ongoing security threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns about the resurgence of terrorist activity in the region. Security forces remain on high alert as operations continue to secure the area and prevent further attacks.