Funeral prayers held for soldiers martyred in Bannu suicide bombing

The funeral prayers of soldiers who embraced martyrdom in yesterday’s motorcycle-borne suicide blast in the Jani Khel area of Bannu were offered on Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated. 

In a statement, the ISPR said that the martyrs "will be laid to rest with full military honour in their respective hometowns". 

The funeral prayers were attended by senior serving military and civil administrative officers and troops. 

"Armed Forces of Pakistan stand resolute and committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the motherland at all costs," the military's media wing maintained in its statement.

A day earlier, at least nine soldiers embraced martyrdom while five others were injured in a suicide attack on a military convoy in the general area of Jani Khel in Bannu district.

Read 12 security men martyred in Balochistan

According to ISPR's statement, “A motorcycle-borne suicide bomber exploded himself on a military convoy.”

“Nine soldiers, including Naib Subedar Sanobar Ali, embraced shahadat, while five soldiers were injured,” the military's media wing added.

The ISPR stated that the area was cordoned off by security forces to 'sanitise' the area and eliminate any terrorists found there.

“The security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.”

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said he was heartbroken by the loss of nine valiant soldiers in Bannu Division.

In a post on his official X handle, Kakar said, “Heartbroken by the loss of nine valiant soldiers in Bannu Division, K-P, to a cowardly terrorist act that injured many.”