In a devastating terrorist attack targeting Bannu Cantonment on Monday, eight members of the security forces were martyred, while a retaliatory operation resulted in the deaths of ten terrorists, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday when ten terrorists attempted to breach the cantonment’s perimeter. Security forces effectively thwarted the attempt, forcing the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the cantonment’s wall. The ensuing suicide blast caused significant damage and led to the martyrdom of eight security personnel.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam of the Pakistan Army, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali of the Frontier Constabulary.
The ISPR praised the swift and effective response by the security forces, which prevented a major catastrophe and saved many innocent lives. The statement highlighted the “gallant and selfless action” of the security forces as a testament to their unrelenting resolve in the fight against terrorism.
The ISPR attributed the attack to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which operates from Afghanistan and has previously used Afghan soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism inside Pakistan. The statement emphasized that Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns with the Interim Afghan Government, urging them to deny terrorists the use of Afghan soil and to take effective action against such elements.
The ISPR reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces will continue to defend the nation and its people against the menace of terrorism and will take all necessary measures against threats emanating from Afghanistan.