Terrorist attack thwarted in Bannu; eight soldiers martyred, 10 terrorists killed: ISPR

BANNU: In the early hours of Monday morning (yesterday) a group of 10 terrorists attempted an attack on Bannu Cantonment (Cantt). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the timely action of the security forces successfully thwarted the assault.

The confrontation led to the martyrdom of eight security personnel, whose bravery and quick response averted further catastrophe.

Terrorist attack foiled in Bannu

Among the martyrs were Naib Subidar Muhammad Shahzad, Sergeant Zal Hasnain, and Sergeant Shahzad Ahmed. Also martyred were Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Subhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, and Lance Corporal Sabz Ali of the Frontier Constabulary.

The ISPR statement detailed that all 10 terrorists were killed in the retaliatory action by the security forces. The attackers had arrived in a vehicle laden with ammunition, which struck the cantonment wall. The impact resulted in a suicide blast, causing a portion of the wall to collapse, ISPR said.

The swift and decisive actions of the security forces in neutralising the threat have been lauded. However, the loss of the eight brave personnel has cast a shadow of grief over the nation.

Three terrorists killed during intelligence-based operation: ISPR

Further details released by ISPR revealed that the Hafiz Bahadur group, a terrorist organisation operating from Afghanistan, was behind the attack. ISPR said that Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to take stringent measures against such groups to prevent cross-border terrorism.

The ISPR statement also highlighted the need for the Afghan government to take effective action against these terrorists to ensure regional stability.