Peshawar – A massive security operation in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has ended following a suicide attack on the FC (Frontier Corps) Lines, with the six attackers killed.
The attack started with militants crashing a car loaded with bombs into the FC Line building, resulting in the martyrdom of six members of the security forces and injuring 16 others.
It took about ten hours to conduct the operation under the control of Deputy Inspector General of Bannu Region Sajjad Khan and the District Police Chief Saleem Abbas Kalachi.
The Pakistan Army Public Relations Department, known as ISPR, stated that all the Indian-backed militants were killed during the fierce gun battle. The martyrdom of 6 soldiers of the FC and the Pakistan Army was also confirmed in the statement.
The ISPR has promised to undertake clearance efforts and ensure that the masterminds of this malicious deed will be brought to justice.
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
The goal of the militants was to penetrate the compound and get into the building after the first explosion. But their attempt was thwarted by the concerted action of the security forces.
The suicide attack brought about a lot of destruction to the surrounding shops and buildings besides the FC Line facility. To control the situation and guarantee the safety of the population, police isolated the roads on both sides of the FC line during the course of the operation.
After the successful operation, the Provincial Police Chief (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed praised the courage of the security officers engaged in the operation and declared certificates of appreciation and cash prizes to the daring officers.
A History of Extremism in Bannu
This attack is not a stand-alone event but is a continuation of a history of extremist violence that has plagued the Bannu district. The area has already witnessed similar attacks in the past, such as the previous attacks on the Bannu Police Compound and the Bannu Cantt.
In 2022, a significant event happened, as militants held hostage in the Bannu Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) building overpowered the authorities and took them hostage, stealing their weapons.
Several militant groups, such as the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, the Jabhat al-Ansar Mahdi Khorasan, and the Badr Group, had claimed responsibility for this latest attack. These groups being involved highlights the multi-layered and multi-faceted nature of the security issues plaguing the region.
The military and the law enforcement agencies in Pakistan have persistently waged war against these threats and have reconfirmed their commitment to act in preserving peace and stability in the wake of the prevailing terrorism.
Also See : Reports Warn of TTP Use of Mosques and Madrasas for Drone Training in Pakistan
