Army chief vows to bring attackers of Bannu Cantt to justice

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir vowed on Thursday to bring planners and facilitators of the Bannu Cantonment attack to book soon.

The army chief visited Bannu on Thursday, where he was briefed on the ongoing operation and the overall security situation in the region.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited Bannu a day after a failed terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment. Upon his arrival, he was received by the Peshawar Corps Commander.

The COAS also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bannu, where he inquired about the well-being of injured soldiers and praised their courage and unwavering resolve.

According to the ISPR, the army chief expressed his deep condolences to the families of the innocent civilians martyred in the attack.

Gen Asim Munir said that the Pakistan army will remain a shield against terrorism to ensure the security and stability of the state.

He said that the terrorists responsible for the attack were swiftly neutralised by the brave soldiers, and the planners and facilitators of the heinous attack will soon be brought to justice, no matter where they are.

The army chief further said that targeting women, children, the elderly, and innocent civilians exposes the true intentions of the anti-Khawari terrorists. He emphasized the crucial role of the local community in the fight against terrorism and stressed the importance of national unity.

Addressing the troops, Gen Asim Munir lauded their bravery and commended their swift and effective response in thwarting the terrorists’ nefarious designs.

He reiterated that the war against the Khawarij and their facilitators will continue until it reaches its logical end.

“These elements are working at the behest of enemy forces, and terrorist groups, including the Fitna al-Khawarij, are conducting operations against Pakistan from Afghan soil,” he said.

He also highlighted the use of foreign weapons and equipment in the recent terrorist attacks, saying that no one will be allowed to disrupt Pakistan’s peace and stability.

It is worth mentioning that on March 4, terrorists attempted an attack on Bannu Cantonment, which was repelled by security forces.

According to the ISPR, Khawarij elements tried to breach the security of Bannu Cantonment. However, the security forces’ prompt response thwarted their malicious intentions.

The ISPR confirmed that all 16 terrorists involved in the attack were killed, including four suicide bombers.

During the intense firefight, five brave soldiers were martyred. The impact of the suicide bombings caused a section of the cantonment wall to collapse.

A nearby mosque and a residential building were severely damaged by the explosions and gunfire, resulting in the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians and injuries to 32 others.