Seven people, including a Lieutenant Colonel and another soldier from Pakistan’s army and five attackers, have been killed in a suicide attack during a military operation in the country’s northwestern region.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, which borders Afghanistan, according to the Pakistani army.
Citing Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Al Jazeera reported in a dispatch that the explosion occurred when a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden motorcycle into a security forces vehicle. Two soldiers were killed in this incident. However, major sabotage planned by the attackers was thwarted due to the quick action of the advance security team.
Pakistan’s army claims at least five armed attackers were killed in the operation, including one suicide bomber. The army stated that operations against banned organisations will continue.
The Pakistani government has long blamed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for attacks within the country. Islamabad alleges that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan provides sanctuary to the TTP. However, Kabul has denied these allegations.
The army stated, “Operations will continue against those involved in this heinous attack, wherever they may be. Our commitment to protecting the country’s security is unwavering.”
It is noteworthy that the Bannu district has long been known as an area vulnerable to violence. Since the ceasefire with the TTP was called off in late 2022, attacks on security forces and police checkposts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have increased.
Earlier this week, a child and multiple individuals, including 11 security personnel, were killed in separate attacks and gunfights in Bajaur district.
