A coordinated militant attack on a security post in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on Saturday evening resulted in multiple casualties among security personnel.
The Attack
According to police officials, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at a security checkpoint in the Fateh Khel area of Bannu district. Following the explosion, multiple militants opened fire on the post.
Police official Muhammad Sajjad Khan stated that a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the checkpoint, after which multiple militants entered the post. He estimated that over 100 militants participated in the assault.
Police official Zahid Khan reported that a suicide bomber and several fighters detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near the security post, followed by multiple explosions. The blast caused the security post to collapse.
An anonymous officer stated that law enforcement reinforcements responding to the scene were ambushed, resulting in casualties.
Reporting of Casualties
Reports on the number of fatalities differ.
- One report, citing police official Zahid Khan, stated that at least three police officers were killed, with more casualties feared.
- A separate report, citing authorities, stated that at least 15 people were killed.
The attack also caused damage to nearby civilian areas and injured two civilians, according to one source.
Further Details
- A senior administrative official reported that militants used quadcopters and heavy weaponry during the assault, and took police personnel and weapons while retreating.
- Multiple explosions were reported, and a firefight ensued between security forces and the attackers.
- A state of emergency was declared in government hospitals in Bannu.
Background
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups have carried out similar attacks in the region in the past.
The attack occurs amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistani authorities have accused the Taliban administration in Afghanistan of harboring armed groups, an accusation the Taliban denies. In February 2024, Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeted alleged militant strongholds. Bannu district is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan.