16 terrorists killed, 5 soldiers, several citizens martyred as security forces foil Bannu Cantt attack

BANNU: Security forces successfully foiled a “cowardly” terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing all 16 militants, the military media wing said in a statement.

On March 4, around sixteen Khwarijs tried to breach the cantonment’s security, for which they rammed two explosive-laden vehicles into the perimeter wall of the high-security zone.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the nefarious designs of terrorists were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces.

However, in this intense exchange of fire, “five soldiers embraced martyrdom in the line of duty” while putting up a heroic resistance.

The multiple suicide blasts resulted in the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians and injuries to 32 others.

Due to the attack, the perimeter wall was partially collapsed and also caused damage to the adjacent infrastructure. “Tragically, a mosque and a civilian residential building in close proximity also suffered severe destruction,” the press release read.

The ISPR further stated that the “physical involvement of Afghan nationals in this heinous act was unequivocally confirmed in intelligence reports”, with evidence also pointing to the fact that the attack was orchestrated and directed by Khwarij ring leaders operating from Afghanistan.

“Pakistan expected the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” it read.

Pakistan reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to these threats emanating from across the border.

“The security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the military’s media wing concluded.