ISLAMABAD: At least 12 security personnel were martyred in a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bannu district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Wednesday.
According to the military’s media wing, the incident occurred on November 19 when terrorists, referred to as “khawarij,” attempted to attack a joint check post in the Mali Khel area.
“In the ensuing exchange of fire, six terrorists were sent to hell,” the statement said. The attackers’ attempt to breach the post was foiled by the troops, forcing them to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle against the perimeter wall of the post.
The explosion caused a portion of the wall to collapse, damaging nearby infrastructure. Tragically, 12 personnel were martyred in the attack, including 10 soldiers and two members of the Frontier Constabulary.
A sanitisation operation is underway in the area to track down those responsible for orchestrating this heinous act. “The perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice,” the ISPR affirmed, reiterating the resolve of Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies to eradicate terrorism.
“These sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our determination to eliminate this menace,” the statement added.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, honouring their ultimate sacrifice for the defence of the nation. “The entire nation salutes those who laid down their lives for the security of the motherland,” he said.
The president also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the attack.
