Twelve security personnel were martyred and six terrorists were killed following an attack on a checkpost in the Mali Khel area of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as reported by the military’s media wing on Wednesday.
This incident is part of a disturbing rise in attacks targeting security forces, law enforcement, and security checkpoints, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Bannu district, known for its volatile security situation, has witnessed an increase in militant violence, including the recent kidnapping of police officers, a girls’ school attack, and a shootout that claimed the lives of three security personnel.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on November 19, terrorists attempted to target a joint check post in the Mali Khel area of Bannu. While the attack was initially thwarted, a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the checkpost, causing its perimeter wall to collapse. The blast resulted in the martyrdom of 10 soldiers and two Frontier Constabulary personnel.
In response, a firefight ensued, during which six terrorists were killed.
Earlier in July, the Pakistan government labeled the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al Khawarij” (outcasts), and directed all institutions to refer to the perpetrators of terrorist activities as “khwarij.”
The ISPR statement confirmed the attack was repelled by the security forces, but the explosion caused significant damage, resulting in the martyrdom of 12 personnel.
A sanitization operation is underway, with authorities pledging to bring the attackers to justice.
The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces are committed to eliminating terrorism, and such sacrifices only reinforce their determination.
Meanwhile, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to working with Pakistan to enhance its capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist threats. US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed his condolences for the victims of recent attacks, including the abduction of seven policemen in Bannu and a military convoy ambush near the Afghan border.
The escalation of terrorism follows the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement with the TTP in 2022, which has led to a surge in attacks targeting security forces. In 2023, Pakistan recorded 1,524 fatalities and 1,463 injuries from terrorism and counterterrorism operations, marking a six-year high.
