Pakistan’s security forces successfully foiled a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 4, eliminating all 16 attackers involved, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.
During the fierce exchange of fire, five soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice while bravely defending the cantonment, the military’s media wing confirmed.
In addition to the security personnel, 13 civilians also lost their lives, and 32 others sustained injuries due to the destruction caused by multiple suicide blasts during the clash.
The ISPR explained that the attack was launched by militants referred to as “Khwarij,” who tried to breach the cantonment’s security perimeter. However, the vigilant and rapid response from the troops thwarted their plans.
The attackers used two vehicles filled with explosives to target the perimeter wall. Despite the intensity of the assault, the security forces responded with precision and professionalism, eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers.
The blasts caused part of the perimeter wall to collapse, damaging nearby buildings, including a mosque and a civilian residential area. This resulted in the tragic loss of civilian lives and injuries to dozens more.
The ISPR revealed that intelligence reports and evidence clearly confirmed that Afghan nationals were directly involved in planning and executing this attack. The attack itself was orchestrated and controlled by militant leaders based in Afghanistan.
Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to take responsibility and ensure its territory is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. The statement added that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary actions to counter such cross-border threats.
Reaffirming the country’s determination to eliminate terrorism, the ISPR underscored that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians alike will only strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to protect its people and maintain national security.
PM Shehbaz praises security forces
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their swift and courageous response to what he called the “Fitna-tul-Khawarij” attack in Bannu. He paid tribute to the martyred soldiers, offering prayers for their elevated ranks in the afterlife, and expressed deep condolences to their grieving families.
He also acknowledged the troops’ success in neutralising all 16 terrorists and stopping a major catastrophe, highlighting their commitment to national security.
Reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism, the prime minister assured that the armed forces would continue to act as a strong shield against such threats, with the entire nation standing firmly behind them.
Context and ongoing tensions
The Bannu attack occurred just days after a suicide bombing at a religious seminary in the same province, which killed six people. The madrassa is known to have links to senior Taliban figures.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in such attacks since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly called on Kabul to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan — a claim consistently denied by the Afghan Taliban government.
The two countries share a porous 2,500-kilometre border, with several key trade and transit points. This border, while vital for trade, has also become a point of tension due to cross-border militancy.
Pakistan continues to engage in military operations against militants and has prevented several infiltration attempts. Despite these efforts, terrorism remains a significant challenge, with Pakistan urging Afghanistan to stop providing shelter and support to groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
These concerns were echoed in a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report, which highlighted the operational, logistical, and financial support the TTP receives from within Afghanistan.
