Two suicide bombings in Bannu Cantonment, Pakistan, killed at least nine people and injured over 25. The attacks occurred during iftar and involved significant gunfire between security forces and attackers. The group Jaish-e-Forasan Mohammad has claimed responsibility. Bannu has been a target for similar violent incidents, causing rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
At least nine individuals, including five children, lost their lives, and over 25 others sustained injuries in two suicide bombings that struck Pakistan’s Bannu Cantonment on Tuesday evening. The attacks occurred during iftar, the meal marking the end of the fast in Ramadan. Local officials reported that intense gunfire followed the explosions as security forces engaged with the attackers.
Bannu, strategically located near the Afghan border, is central to Pakistan’s military operations in Waziristan. The blasts inflicted severe damage, causing roofs and walls of nearby structures to collapse. A mosque within the cantonment premises was also affected, trapping worshippers beneath the debris.
Bannu police official Noor Marwat detailed the incident, stating, “The first attack involved a bomber ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into the cantonment gate, while a second vehicle was detonated near the perimeter wall.” He further explained that the bombings were succeeded by an armed assault by multiple militants on the compound.
According to Noman Khattab, a spokesperson from Bannu Central Government Hospital, numerous victims were admitted with injuries resulting from collapsing buildings. Reports indicated that the armed group Jaish-e-Forasan Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack, which is associated with the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction known for targeting security installations.
Bannu has been the site of numerous significant terrorist incidents throughout recent years. In July 2024, a similar attack resulted in the deaths of eight military personnel and ten attackers. In 2022, militants breached the Counter-Terrorism Department compound, overwhelming security personnel and seizing weapons before being neutralized.
Pakistani officials assert that these militant groups operate from secure locations within Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly criticized the Afghan Taliban for not adequately addressing cross-border attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions that have witnessed increased violence since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The Afghan government, however, has denied such allegations, asserting that its territory is not utilized by armed groups to attack neighboring countries.
This latest act of violence is likely to heighten tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Islamabad seeks more robust counterterrorism actions from Kabul. Despite diplomatic efforts, security experts emphasize that cross-border threats remain a pressing concern for Pakistan.
In summary, the recent suicide bombings in Bannu Cantonment resulted in the tragic loss of lives and significant injuries. The responsibility has been claimed by a militant group linked to past attacks, highlighting persistent security challenges in the region. As tensions escalate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the need for effective counterterrorism measures becomes increasingly critical to address the growing threats.
Original Source: themedialine.org
