Suicide blast in Bannu; no casualties reported

BANNU: A suicide blast near Doh Ghoda Bridge on Tuesday was thwarted when the bomber detonated prematurely before reaching the intended target, officials said.

The blast occurred close to the Basiya Khel police station, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.

Police said the attacker appeared to be travelling on a motorcycle when he set off the explosives. Officers recovered a body and the wreckage of a motorcycle from the scene, which was swiftly cordoned off as investigators began working to determine the intended target and whether any accomplices were involved.

The incident comes just days after a major counterterrorism operation in the region. On November 15, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police conducted a joint raid in the Takhtikhel border area of Bannu and Lakki Marwat, killing five militants.

Authorities said that operation was launched on actionable intelligence regarding the presence of a militant group. Weapons were recovered from the suspects, averting what officials described as a significant threat to the area. The action was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle extremist networks operating along the border belt.

The Bannu Regional Police Officer praised the performance of the police and CTD teams, stating that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remain fully prepared to respond to emerging security challenges and maintain law and order in the province.