PESHAWAR: A suicide bomber on Thursday targeted a security convoy in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, leaving at least nine soldiers dead and five others wounded.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police confirmed the attack, saying that the deadly suicide bombing occurred within the jurisdiction of Jani Khel Police Station of district Bannu. The police said that a suicide bomber riding on a motorcycle targeted a security forces convoy near a security checkpoint.
While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, recent terrorist attacks on Pakistan’s security forces have been linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, sheltered in Afghanistan.
This group has shown an escalated presence in Afghanistan, exploiting newfound safe havens and operational freedom in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of the country.
Currently, no official statement has been issued by the army regarding the incident.
The district of Bannu is adjacent to the former militant stronghold of North Waziristan, which once acted as a central hub for insurgent activities. It is notable that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan saw a resurgence after the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in Kabul.
Heartbroken by the loss of 9 valiant soldiers in Bannu Division, KPK, to a cowardly terrorist act that injured many. Such acts are utterly reprehensible. My thoughts are with the families of the martyred and injured. 🇵🇰 stands resolute against such terror.
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 31, 2023
Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has strongly condemned the attack.
In a statement on social media platform X he said: Heartbroken by the loss of 9 valiant soldiers in Bannu Division, KPK, to a cowardly terrorist act that injured many.
“Such acts are utterly reprehensible. My thoughts are with the families of the martyred and injured. 🇵🇰 stands resolute against such terror,” he said.
