BANNU: At least 15 police personnel were martyred and three others injured after terrorists carried out a devastating suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district late Saturday night, officials confirmed.
According to police authorities, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the police post, triggering a massive explosion that completely destroyed the facility and caused widespread devastation in the surrounding area.
Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan said 18 police personnel were present at the post when the attack occurred.
“Fifteen policemen embraced martyrdom while three others sustained injuries,” he confirmed.
Following the powerful blast, heavily armed militants launched a coordinated assault on the post from multiple directions, opening intense gunfire and creating panic among residents in nearby localities.
A senior administrative official told AFP that the attackers also used quadcopters during the assault alongside heavy weapons, indicating a highly coordinated and sophisticated militant operation.
Sources said communication with the Fateh Khel police post was briefly lost immediately after the explosion due to the severity of the attack.
The blast intensity destroyed an armoured vehicle stationed at the post and severely damaged nearby buildings. Multiple explosions were heard across the area, forcing authorities to declare an emergency at local hospitals.
Security forces and police launched a large-scale operation shortly after the attack under the supervision of RPO Sajjad Khan. The entire area was cordoned off while additional checkpoints were established throughout Bannu city to prevent further security threats.
Local residents also came out in support of law enforcement personnel during the emergency response.
Rescue 1122 teams continued relief activities through the night and completed the rescue operation on Sunday morning.
“The rescue operation has been completed. Fifteen bodies and three injured personnel were recovered from the debris,” Rescue 1122 officials said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the fallen officers.
“These courageous sons of the soil sacrificed their lives while protecting the people of Pakistan and defending peace. Their bravery, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said in a statement posted on X.
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Naqvi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevated ranks of the martyrs, reaffirming that Pakistan remained united against terrorism.
“Such cowardly acts can never weaken our resolve,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack and telephoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to express grief over the tragedy.
The prime minister extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured personnel.
Reiterating the federal government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, PM Shehbaz said Islamabad would continue close coordination with provincial governments to eliminate militant threats from the country.
“We will provide every possible assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism,” the prime minister stated.
Both leaders praised the sacrifices of police, armed forces, and security personnel who continue to confront militant violence across the country.
Bannu district has witnessed repeated militant attacks in recent months amid a wider surge in terrorism-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The region has frequently seen attacks targeting police stations, security personnel, jirga members, and civilians, prompting intensified counterterrorism operations by security forces.
