ISLAMABAD: Eleven security personnel were martyred when terrorists carried out a suicide bombing at a joint check post in Pakistan’s Bajaur district, the military said, adding that security forces responded swiftly and eliminated 12 attackers in a decisive operation.
The attack took place on Monday when armed assailants attempted to storm a joint check post operated by security forces and law enforcement agencies. According to the military, troops repelled the initial assault and killed several attackers as they tried to flee.
“The assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces,” Pakistan’s military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
In a subsequent escalation, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the post, triggering a powerful blast that caused part of the infrastructure to collapse.
“In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. Due to the blast impact infrastructure at the check post collapsed resultantly eleven brave sons of soil, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” said the statement.
Civilian casualties
The explosion also damaged nearby residential buildings, killing a young girl and injuring seven civilians, including women and children, officials said.
“Tragically, civilian residential buildings in close proximity also suffered severe destruction as a result of the explosion, leading to the martyrdom of one innocent young girl and injuries to seven others, including women and children,” ISPR said.
Security forces described the assault as a coordinated attack carried out by militants they referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used by Pakistani authorities for Terrorist groups, particulaly Indian backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an Afghanistan-based terrorist group. Officials said the group had links to foreign sponsors particulaly India.
Ongoing operations
Sanitisation operations were underway in the area to clear any remaining attackers, according to the military. Authorities said counterterrorism operations would continue under the framework of the National Action Plan aimed at curbing militancy.
Bajaur, located near the Afghan border, has witnessed intermittent violence in recent years.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the military said.
