In a military operation in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, lost their lives when a motorcycle carrying explosives collided with a security forces convoy. The incident occurred on Saturday and was confirmed by the Pakistani military, which also reported that at least five armed insurgents, including one identified as a “suicide bomber,” were killed in the ensuing confrontation.

The military’s statement elaborated that the leading security team successfully intercepted the bomber, thwarting an attempt to target civilians and law enforcement personnel, thereby preventing what they described as a major catastrophe. In its communication, the army referred to the assailants as “khawarij,” a term used for banned militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Allegations of Taliban Support for TTP

Repeated assertions from Islamabad suggest that the Taliban administration in Kabul provides sanctuary to the TTP, which remains a banned group in Pakistan. This assertion has been denied by officials in Kabul. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have surged, evidenced by a brief conflict along the border last October.

The army’s statement emphasized that Pakistan would not hold back on pursuing operations against those responsible for what it termed a “heinous and cowardly act.” It reiterated its commitment to ensure just retribution against the khawarij, regardless of their geographic location.

Bannu District: A Recurrent Site of Violence

Bannu has consistently been a hotspot for armed confrontations, marked by frequent attacks on security forces and police checkpoints in recent years. Security officials in the region have documented various incidents, including strikes on police installations and suicide bombings, which have intensified following the TTP’s decision to terminate a ceasefire with the government in late 2022.

The recent violence in the province has included devastating incidents earlier this week, where two bomb attacks and a gun battle between police and rebel fighters resulted in over a dozen fatalities. Among the deceased were a child and 11 security personnel in an attack in the Bajaur district, with injuries reported for another seven individuals, including women and children.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share