Security forces successfully intercepted terrorist attack in Bannu: state media

Security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist plot aimed at the Bannu cantonment area earlier this week, as reported by Radio Pakistan on Monday.

According to the report, terrorists attempted to breach the high-security cantonment by detonating an explosive-laden vehicle along the road connecting the outer wall of the cantonment with the supply depot.

The timely response from security forces prevented the terrorists from achieving their objectives, prompting them to initiate a clearance operation in the area.

Local witnesses recounted hearing two explosions near the cantonment around 4:40 am, followed by gunfire. The blasts caused damage to nearby houses and shops, raising concerns about potential casualties.

While specific casualty figures have yet to be officially disclosed by the authorities, Muhammad Numan, a spokesperson for government hospitals in Bannu, confirmed that eight individuals sustained injuries in the attack.

One of the injured, Naheed Bibi, 55, was transferred to Peshawar due to gunshot wounds, while others with minor injuries were treated and discharged.

Among those injured were three women affected by gunfire, as well as individuals who suffered injuries from blast debris in their homes: Sawera Bibi, 25, Bakawar Bibi, 26, Jamila Bibi, 30, Sunbul, 9, Maria, 5, Esa, 3, and Anwar Ali, 9.

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities over the past year, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan following the cessation of a ceasefire between the government and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in November 2022.

Last week, Islamabad reiterated its stance against engaging in talks with the TTP and called for Kabul's action against terrorists operating from Afghan territory.

According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies' annual security report, violence and casualties in Pakistan saw a notable decline in the second quarter of 2024. The report reveals a 12% reduction in overall violence, with 380 fatalities reported compared to 432 in the preceding quarter.

Throughout the second quarter, the country recorded 380 fatalities and 220 injuries from 240 incidents involving terrorist attacks and counter-terror operations. Of these incidents, 236 resulted in fatalities among civilians and security personnel, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining security nationwide.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were identified as the epicentres of violence, accounting for over 90% of fatalities and 84% of all attacks involving both terrorist incidents and security force responses.