Bannu: In a timely and coordinated response, security forces successfully thwarted an attempted terrorist attack at Bannu Cantt today, following Iftar, the military’s media wing reported on Tuesday. Security personnel neutralised six militants at various entry points before they could cause further damage.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the assailants, believed to be members of the Khawarij, tried to infiltrate the military cantonment. However, the prompt actions of the security forces prevented them from breaching the area.
As the terrorists were forced into a state of panic due to the quick response, they attempted to detonate two bomb-laden vehicles by crashing them into the walls surrounding Bannu Cantt.
The explosions from the bomb-laden vehicles, however, resulted in significant collateral damage. A nearby mosque was damaged, and the roof of an adjacent house collapsed.
Tragically, reports indicate that innocent civilians have been injured or martyred in the blasts. The extent of the casualties is still being assessed.
Security forces are continuing their clearance operation in the area, ensuring that all remaining terrorists are neutralised. The operation will persist until the complete elimination of the terrorist threat.
Earlier, Security forces thwarted a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment, killing six terrorists during the infiltration attempt, media reported citing security sources.
According to security sources, the terrorists tried to enter the cantonment after Iftar, but were met with swift action from the security forces.
The terrorists, who came in explosive-laden vehicles, crashed into the cantonment’s walls, causing significant damage. Security personnel stationed at various entry points of the cantonment engaged the terrorists, killing six of them. The explosion from the vehicles also damaged a nearby mosque and houses, resulting in injuries to innocent civilians. Security forces have launched a clearance operation to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Samiul Haq (JUI-S) chief Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq was among three martyred after a powerful suicide blast ripped through Akora Khattak’s Darul Uloom Haqqania, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the chief secretary and IG confirmed.Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq took over JUI-S after his father, Maulana Samiul Haq, was assassinated in 2018. Sami-ul-Haq was stabbed multiple times at his residence in Rawalpindi.
According to details, the explosion took place inside the seminary after Friday prayers, according to the city police officer.
The attack targeted Maulana Hamidul Haq at Darul Uloom Haqqania, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said.
He confirmed the death of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami’s head, Maulana Hamid-ul-Haq, to reporters. The KP IGP added that it was a suicide blast. –Agencies
