Suicide attack foiled in Bannu, five militants killed, two soldiers martyred: ISPR

WEB DESK: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday said security forces thwarted a major terrorist attack during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu after militants attempted to target a convoy with a suicide vehicle.

According to the military’s media wing, the Indian proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij attempted to carry out a suicide bombing using an explosives-laden vehicle. However, the lead security detachment intercepted the attacker in time, foiling what officials described as a plan to cause large-scale destruction in Bannu city. Lieutenant Colonel Shehzada Gul Faraz embraced martyrdom during the operation, while Sepoy Karamat Shah also laid down his life in the line of duty, the ISPR said.

A heavy exchange of fire followed, during which five “khawarij” militants were killed. Despite the timely response, the attackers rammed an explosives-filled vehicle into a security forces’ vehicle.

The statement added that the militants were continuing to use Afghan territory, even during Ramazan, to carry out attacks inside Pakistan, alleging that the Afghan Taliban government had failed to restrain such elements.

Reaffirming the state’s resolve, Pakistan announced that indiscriminate action against khawarij would continue and that operations under “Azm-i-Istehkam” would persist until the complete elimination of terrorism.

President condemns Bannu attack, vows continued action against militants

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday strongly condemned the “cowardly terrorist attack” on a security forces convoy in Bannu, expressing deep grief over the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Shehzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah.

In a statement, the president paid tribute to the fallen officers, calling their sacrifice a national asset and a source of pride for the country. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and for patience and strength for their loved ones.

Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue indiscriminate and full-force operations against “Fitna al-Khawarij,” stating that there would be no compromise on the security of the nation. He said those who violate the sanctity of Ramazan through acts of terrorism have no connection with Islam.

Afghan national identified in Bajaur suicide attack

Pakistani security officials this week identified the suicide bomber who attacked the Malangi Post in Bajaur on February 16 as an Afghan national, describing the development as further evidence that Afghan soil is being used to plan and launch attacks inside Pakistan.

According to officials, the attacker — identified as Ahmad, alias Qari Abdullah Abu Zar — was a resident of Afghanistan’s Balkh province and had allegedly been associated with a militant outfit as well as Taliban special forces in the past. The bombing left at least 11 security personnel and two civilians martyred. Authorities said they possessed “irrefutable evidence” linking the attacker to Afghanistan, though no additional details were made public.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban administration of failing to curb militant groups operating from its territory, an allegation Kabul has denied. Security sources cited several recent attacks, including incidents in Islamabad, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan and Wana — that they claimed involved Afghan nationals or cross-border facilitation. Officials also alleged that planning for major attacks in Bannu and on the Jaffar Express had links to individuals based in Afghanistan.

Pakistani authorities say over 70 per cent of militants involved in recent attacks are Afghan nationals, a claim that remains independently unverifiable, amid rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy.