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Deadly Militant Attack Targets Military Check Post in Bannu

3 minutes read

Deadly Militant Attack Targets Military Check Post in Bannu

3 minutes read

A devastating militant attack on November 19, 2024, in the Mali Khel area of Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, left 12 security personnel martyred and several others injured. The assault, involving gunfire and a suicide bombing, highlights the continued challenges faced by Pakistan in combating militant violence.

The assailants, identified as members of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group affiliated with the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), launched the attack late Tuesday night. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the militants initially attempted to breach the perimeter of the joint military checkpost using firearms. Despite effective resistance by security forces, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the outpost.

The resulting explosion caused significant damage to the infrastructure, including the collapse of a portion of the wall. Tragically, the attack resulted in the martyrdom of 12 personnel, including 10 soldiers and two members of the Frontier Constabulary. Six attackers were killed in the exchange of fire.

A sanitization operation was immediately launched in the area to eliminate any remaining threats. The ISPR emphasized its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice, stating, “The perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice.”

The military reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate terrorism from the region, declaring that such sacrifices by the security forces strengthen their determination to ensure peace.

The attack drew widespread condemnation from leaders and institutions across Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives, saluting the martyred soldiers for their sacrifices. He reiterated the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, asserting that the sacrifices of the soldiers would not go in vain. He declared that those responsible would pay a heavy price for their actions.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the martyred personnel as “heroes of our nation” and pledged unwavering support for their families. He remarked that such sacrifices highlight the persistent threats posed by extremist elements but also strengthen the nation’s resolve to counter them.

The Iranian embassy in Islamabad joined in condemning the attack, extending condolences to the Pakistani government, army, and people.

This attack is part of a larger wave of militant violence affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to the Center for Research and Security Studies, more than 1,100 Pakistanis have lost their lives to militant activities this year, many of them security personnel.

The banned TTP has been at the forefront of the escalating violence, which has increasingly targeted law enforcement and military personnel. The government has accused the TTP of operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, calling on the Taliban-led administration to prevent cross-border terrorism. However, Taliban authorities have denied the presence of foreign militant groups on Afghan soil.

In July 2024, the government formally designated the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij, or outcasts of Islam, mandating the use of the term “Khawarij” for individuals involved in terrorist activities. The ISPR statement on the Bannu attack emphasized this terminology, reflecting the government’s stance on the ideological extremism propagated by such groups.

The tragedy in Bannu underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces in safeguarding the nation. The resolve of the armed forces, government, and people remains firm in eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Pakistan.

As security forces continue their operations, the nation pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of its soldiers, whose sacrifices remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.

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