On Wednesday, the military’s media affairs division reported that all 16 terrorists met their demise, while five soldiers achieved martyrdom as they bravely responded to the terrorist attack at Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s namesake district.
On Tuesday evening, terrorists attempted to breach the high-security zone by crashing two explosives-laden vehicles against the perimeter of the cantonment.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated today that “troops engaged the invaders with unmatched precision, successfully eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four committed suicide bombers.” In the midst of the intense firefight, five gallant soldiers, after exhibiting exceptional valor, attained martyrdom while defending their nation, the ISPR elaborated.
Amidst the chaos, 13 civilians tragically lost their lives and 32 sustained injuries following the dire destruction of a mosque and a residential building, the perimeter wall partially succumbing to the devastating blasts. Recalling these harrowing events, the ISPR highlighted, ‘A cowardly terrorist attack targeted Bannu Cantonment by khwarij factions.’ The government associates this term with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates, labeled Fitna al Khawarij.
The attackers’ attempts to breach the cantonment’s security were met with swift and decisive resistance from Pakistan’s vigilant security forces. Reduced to desperation, the terrorists rammed two vehicle bombs into the perimeter wall,’ the ISPR detailed.
With resolute bravery and superior professionalism, our gallant troops engaged the threats, skillfully eliminating all 16 assailants, including four suicide attackers,’ the statement elaborated, acknowledging the sacrifice of five soldiers who attained martyrdom during the battle.
The succession of suicide blasts led to the partial collapse of the wall, inflicting damage on adjacent buildings. Heartbreakingly, both a mosque and a nearby residential building endured severe ruin, leading to the loss of 13 innocent lives and injuries to 32 others,’ the ISPR noted.
This brutal assault has drawn widespread condemnation from governmental figures.
President Asif Ali Zardari honored the heroic soldiers who ‘gave their lives while courageously facing the terrorists.’
A statement today from the President House also commended the armed forces for neutralizing 16 terrorists, which included four suicide attackers.