A deadly terrorist attack on a police checkpoint in Bannu has claimed the lives of 15 police personnel, making it one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent months. According to Beyond Time News, terrorists targeted the Fateh Khel police checkpoint late Saturday night using an explosives-laden vehicle.
The banned group Ittehad Mujahideen Pakistan, linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Massive Explosion Destroys Police Checkpoint
Officials said terrorists rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into the Fateh Khel checkpoint, causing a huge blast that completely destroyed the building.
After the explosion, heavily armed attackers opened fire from different directions. The assault triggered hours of gunfire and panic in nearby areas.
Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan said 18 police personnel were present at the checkpoint during the attack.
He confirmed that 15 officers lost their lives, while three others suffered serious injuries.
Martyred and Injured Police Personnel Identified
Police identified the martyred officers as Rehmat Ayaz, Sanaullah, Niaz Ali, Sohaib, Saadullah, Kamran, Naimatullah, Abid Jani, Imran, Naeemullah, Sadiqullah, Mir Alam Khan, Rahatullah Khan, and Farooq Dad.
The injured officers included Feroz, Hayatullah, and Fidaullah.
The powerful explosion also damaged nearby homes and buildings.
Emergency Declared in Bannu Hospitals
According to Beyond Time News, authorities declared an emergency in major hospitals across Bannu after the attack. Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured and deceased to medical facilities.
Security forces sealed the area and launched a search operation. Officials also increased security checks at entry and exit points across the city.
Sources said communication with the Fateh Khel checkpoint was temporarily lost after the blast but later restored once security forces regained control.
Funeral Prayers Held with Full State Honours
Authorities offered funeral prayers for the martyred police personnel at Police Lines Bannu with full state honours.
Senior police officials, government representatives, and family members attended the ceremony. Officials laid the martyrs to rest with official honours as mourners paid tribute to their sacrifice.
The Fateh Khel checkpoint has faced more than 40 attacks in recent months. However, officials described the latest assault as the deadliest attack so far because of its scale and heavy casualties.
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President Zardari and PM Shehbaz Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs.
According to Beyond Time News, he directed provincial and federal authorities to provide full support to the injured and affected families. He also said Pakistan would continue its fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack during a phone call with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa officials. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and promised complete federal support in counterterrorism efforts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the attack and ordered the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
Seven Terrorists Killed in North Waziristan Operation
Meanwhile, security forces killed seven terrorists, including two key commanders, during an ongoing operation in North Waziristan.
According to Beyond Time News, security forces destroyed several terrorist hideouts during the operation in Tehsil Shewa and nearby areas.
Officials said forces carried out raids in multiple locations and recovered weapons and other materials linked to militant activity.
Authorities also imposed a curfew in affected areas as the operation entered its third day. Residents reported disruptions to daily life, while many families temporarily moved to safer areas.
Security officials said the operation aims to eliminate militant networks and restore peace in the region.
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