In a tragic and heroic encounter, at least eight Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom as security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack at Bannu Cantonment, eliminating all 10 militants involved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the terrorists launched their attack in the early hours of July 15, aiming to breach the cantonment’s defenses. The security forces’ personnel responded swiftly and effectively, preventing the militants from entering the facility.
Following their failed attempt, the attackers detonated an explosive-laden vehicle against the perimeter wall, leading to a powerful blast. The explosion caused a section of the wall to collapse, severely damaging the surrounding infrastructure and resulting in the martyrdom of eight soldiers.
The fallen soldiers were identified as:
– Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, 44, Poonch district, AJK
– Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, 39, Khushab district
– Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, 28, Neelum district, AJK
– Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, 30, Muzzafarabad district, AJK
– Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, 22, Muzzafarabad district, AJK
– Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, 30, Karak district
– Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, 26, Bahawalpur district
– Frontier Constabulary’s Lance Naik Sabz Ali, 34, Lakki Marwat district
“This timely and effective response by the security forces prevented a major catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives. The gallant and selfless action of the security forces is a testament to their unrelenting resolve in the fight against terrorism,” read the ISPR statement.
The ISPR identified the attackers as members of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, operating from Afghanistan. The group has previously used Afghan territory to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
The military’s statement reiterated its commitment to defending the country from terrorism, emphasizing the need for appropriate measures against threats emanating from Afghanistan.
In November 2023, Pakistan summoned the head of the Afghan diplomatic mission in Islamabad, demanding the extradition of terrorist leader Gul Bahadur, associated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The attack on Bannu Cantonment underscores Pakistan’s ongoing concerns regarding the use of Afghan soil by banned terrorist outfits. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban administration in Kabul to prevent such activities.
In response to the surge in terrorist attacks, the government recently launched operation “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a renewed national anti-terror initiative. According to the Security Studies (CRSS) Annual Security report, the second quarter of 2024 witnessed 380 violence-linked fatalities and 220 injuries from 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations. The majority of these incidents occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions bordering Afghanistan.
The sacrifice of the eight soldiers in Bannu reflects the enduring commitment and bravery of Pakistan’s security forces in their ongoing battle against terrorism.
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