Two security officials killed in IED blast in Bannu

Abu Baseer spokesperson of banned outfit Ansarul Mujahideen claims responsibility for the attack

BANNU: Two security officials were killed and three others injured in an IED blast near their vehicle in Jani Khel area of Bannu on Tuesday.

A security official from the area said the incident occurred in the morning when a convoy of security forces were moving to Jani Khel from Bannu Cantonment.

“When the vehicle reached near River Tochi , an IED planted by unknown militants detonated near one of the vehicle killing two officials on the spot and injuring three others,” the official added.

After the blast security forces launched an operation in the area and arrested five suspects. Earlier, local residents engaged in rescue work after the blast also held one of the suspects who was trying to escape from the scene on a motorbike. The locals handed him over to security forces officials who recovered a remote controlled device along with a detonator from his possession.

The official identified the suspect as Jamshed Khan and further investigations underway.

Meanwhile, speaking to journalists form an undisclosed location a man identifying himself as Abu Baseer, spokesperson of banned outfit Ansarul Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attack.