Pakistan’s security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demonstrating their preparedness and swift response, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
Details of the Attack and Security Response
According to the military’s media wing, 16 militants affiliated with the Khawarij group, including four suicide bombers, launched a coordinated assault on Bannu Cantt. Their objective was to inflict large-scale destruction and destabilize the region. The terrorists attempted to breach the high-security area by ramming two explosive-laden vehicles into the cantonment’s perimeter wall. However, the vigilant security personnel swiftly engaged them in a fierce battle, preventing any infiltration and eliminating all 16 attackers.
Casualties and Damage
Despite the successful neutralization of the threat, the operation resulted in significant losses. Five brave security personnel sacrificed their lives while heroically defending the cantonment. Additionally, the powerful suicide explosions caused extensive structural damage, destroying portions of the perimeter wall and devastating a nearby mosque and civilian residential buildings. The ISPR confirmed that 13 innocent civilians lost their lives in the attack, while 32 others sustained injuries, some of whom are in critical condition.
Investigation and Afghan Involvement
Preliminary intelligence gathered from the attack site points to the involvement of Afghan nationals. The ISPR disclosed that the assault was orchestrated by handlers directing militant operations from Afghanistan. This finding aligns with Pakistan’s longstanding concerns regarding the use of Afghan territory for harboring and supporting terrorist elements targeting Pakistan’s security infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism
In light of these developments, Pakistan has once again urged the Afghan interim government to take decisive action against militant groups operating from its soil. The ISPR reiterated that it is Afghanistan’s responsibility to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighboring countries. Moreover, Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including defensive and retaliatory actions, to safeguard its sovereignty and counter cross-border terrorism effectively.
This latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in the region and highlights the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to protect the nation from terrorist threats.
