Pakistan: Suicide Attack Foiled in Bannu, Four Militants Killed in Separate Operations

Peshawar (Terror Monitor) — Security forces and police foiled a suicide attack targeting a security forces vehicle in Bannu district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, while four militants were killed in separate security operations in Bannu and Lakki Marwat, officials and sources said.

The attempted suicide attack took place in the Jani Khel Malikhil area of Bannu near a private school. According to local sources, a suicide bomber riding in a rickshaw attempted to target a security forces’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

Security personnel responded before the attacker could reach the vehicle and killed him, preventing what could have been a major attack.

Two security personnel were wounded during the incident. They were identified as Sepoy Zeeshan and Sepoy Khairuddin and were taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Bannu for treatment.

Sources said two militants, including the suicide bomber, were killed during the operation, while several others were reportedly wounded. Security forces subsequently cordoned off the area and launched a clearance and search operation.

The militant group Majlis-e-Askari Karwan claimed responsibility for the attempted suicide attack on the security forces’ vehicle.

Separately, police recovered suspected explosive material near the University of Science and Technology Township in Bannu and safely defused it, preventing a potential act of sabotage.

Police said the operation was carried out as part of an ongoing crackdown against criminal and militant elements on the instructions of the Bannu District Police Officer.

Following information about the suspected explosives, Township Police Station SHO Javed Rasool Khan and a police team reached the site, cordoned off the area and restricted public movement as a precaution.

A bomb disposal unit was subsequently called in and safely neutralized the suspected explosive material.

Police said the timely action prevented potential damage in Township and surrounding areas. An investigation is underway to determine who placed the material at the site and whether it was intended for a planned attack.

Meanwhile, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the Sordag area of the Bettani subdivision of Lakki Marwat district after receiving information about the presence of militants.

According to sources, an exchange of fire took place between security forces and militants affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij during the operation.

Two militants were killed in the exchange of fire, while security forces continued a search operation in the area to locate any remaining militants and possible facilitators.

The latest incidents come amid continued security operations against militant groups across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces and police have intensified efforts to prevent attacks and disrupt militant networks.