- Attack by Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad on Bannu military cantonment.
- 12 Pakistani soldiers killed, several injured.
- Government imposes lockdown and restricts communication to contain the situation.
- Continued threat of militant activity despite government efforts.
- Pakistan reaffirms no negotiation policy with TTP amidst heightened terror incidents.
Early on Monday, July 15, the Bannu military cantonment in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, over 330 km east of Islamabad, faced a devastating attack.
The assault, orchestrated by multiple suicide bombers linked to the militant group Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad, a faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, resulted in significant casualties and chaos.
The attackers, armed with sophisticated weaponry and wearing suicide vests, initiated the assault by attempting to breach the cantonment’s security perimeter with an explosive-laden vehicle.
The detonation at a checkpoint caused a massive explosion, paving the way for the assailants to advance further into the military compound.
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Eyewitnesses described hearing multiple explosions followed by intense gunfire as the attackers engaged in a fierce confrontation with security forces stationed at the cantonment.
Initial reports indicate a grim toll: at least 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the attack, with several others sustaining injuries.
The exact number of casualties among civilians, estimated to be around eight, remains unconfirmed.
The government hospitals in Bannu have reported treating eight wounded individuals following the incident, highlighting the severity of the assault.
In response to the attack, the Army swiftly deployed gunship aircraft to provide aerial support, aiming to neutralize the attackers and secure the area.
A lockdown was imposed in the region, including restrictions on internet and phone services, to thwart any further coordinated actions by the assailants or attempts to escape.
Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad, known for its affiliation with the TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, has a notorious history of targeting security forces and government installations in the region.
This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by militant factions despite efforts by Pakistani authorities to curb terrorism and maintain stability.
Country has experienced a troubling increase in terrorist activities over recent years, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
The resurgence of violence follows the breakdown of a ceasefire between the Pakistani government and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November 2022, signaling ongoing challenges in the country’s security landscape.
The government in Islamabad has reiterated its stance against negotiating with the TTP, emphasizing a firm approach to combatting terrorism and safeguarding national security.
As the situation unfolds, efforts continue to secure the area and ensure the safety of military personnel and civilians affected by this tragic attack.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against extremist violence in Pakistan, highlighting the sacrifices made by security forces in their efforts to maintain peace and stability.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏