A devastating suicide bombing targeted a military installation in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday.
Two suicide bombers drove explosive-laden vehicles into a military facility in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan, on Tuesday, triggering a devastating attack. The incident, which occurred in Bannu, led to intense gunfire between security forces and militants, resulting in 12 civilian deaths, including six children, and 30 injuries.
Here’s What Happened
According to security officials, the attackers arrived in two separate vehicles, packed with explosives. They targeted the outer perimeter of the military base, attempting to breach the security walls. The powerful blasts caused severe structural damage to surrounding buildings, including the mosque, before militants armed with automatic weapons tried to enter the compound.
One of the biggest tragedies of the attack was the collapse of a nearby mosque. The blast brought down the mosque’s roof at a time when people were gathered inside for prayers. Rescue workers managed to pull several survivors from the rubble but later retrieved the body of the mosque’s imam.
Security forces responded swiftly, engaging in a fierce exchange of fire with the attackers. In the ensuing gunfight, six militants were killed before they could enter the military base. Despite their efforts, the explosions had already caused massive destruction, leaving dozens of civilians injured.
Casualties And Medical Response
At Bannu District Hospital, emergency staff worked tirelessly to treat the wounded. Hospital director Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan confirmed that 42 victims had been brought in—12 of whom were dead and 30 injured. Some of the wounded were in critical condition, while others remained stable.
Due to the large number of casualties, a medical emergency was declared, and all available doctors, particularly surgeons, were called in to assist with life-saving procedures. Officials also revised the earlier death toll of children from seven to six after verifying hospital records.
Who Was Behind The Attack?
Jaish al-Fursan, a faction linked to the Pakistan Taliban, took responsibility for the attack, marking the third such incident since Ramzan began on Sunday. In a statement, the group stated that the explosions resulted from vehicles loaded with explosives.
Government’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to destabilize the country. He assured the nation that Pakistan’s enemies would never succeed and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.
Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also denounced the attack and ordered a thorough investigation. He stressed the need to strengthen security measures to prevent future militant activities in the region.
Security forces continue to stay on high alert while authorities assess the full impact of the attack. Meanwhile, rescue teams are focusing on locating survivors and providing medical aid to the injured.
This is a developing story.
News Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, and AP News.
