A deadly terrorist attack struck a military base in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday evening, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 30 injuries. The attack occurred at Bannu Cantonment, a high-security military installation, just after Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. According to reports, two suicide bombers detonated explosives at the base’s security wall to create a breach, allowing other attackers to storm the compound. The intense clash between security forces and militants led to heavy casualties, including four children who lived near the explosion site. Hospital officials confirmed that many of the injured were civilians affected by the powerful blasts, which also caused significant damage to nearby buildings. Terrorist group Jaish ul Fursan, which recently aligned with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack. Security sources revealed that the assault involved two suicide car bombs (SVBIEDs) as a diversion, followed by an armed assault by five to six terrorists.
Muhammad Noman, a spokesman for Bannu District Hospital, stated that the explosions led to the collapse of walls and roofs, resulting in severe injuries. Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan, the hospital’s director, confirmed receiving 42 victims, including 12 dead. While some injured individuals were in critical condition, most were reported as stable. In response, a medical emergency was declared, and all doctors and paramedical staff were mobilized. The attack not only devastated the military facility but also damaged a nearby mosque, causing its roof to collapse while worshippers were inside. Visuals circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, with sounds of gunfire in the background.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist act, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, ordered an inquiry into the attack. This incident follows a recent surge in terrorist activities in the region. On February 28, a suicide bombing at a seminary killed pro-Taliban cleric Hamidul Haq Haqqani and four worshippers, while injuring 20 others. The escalating violence raises concerns over Pakistan’s security situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has remained a hotspot for militant activities. Pakistan has been since long worked to provide a safe heaven to terrorists which is now proving to be fatal for the country.
