A devastating suicide attack in Bannu left at least 15 police personnel martyred on Saturday night. The attack targeted the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.
According to police officials, terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the police post. Moments later, a massive explosion tore through the area and destroyed the facility completely.
Regional Police Officer Bannu Sajjad Khan confirmed the casualties after the attack. He said 18 police personnel were present at the post during the incident. Out of them, 15 embraced martyrdom while three others suffered injuries.
Soon after the blast, terrorists launched another assault on the post. They opened heavy fire from multiple directions and attempted to intensify the attack further.
Residents nearby heard several explosions during the assault. As fear spread across the area, many people rushed out of their homes in panic.
Sources said communication with the Fateh Khel police post was briefly lost after the explosion. The intensity of the blast also destroyed an armoured vehicle stationed at the site.
In addition, several nearby buildings suffered severe structural damage. Debris scattered across the area as rescue workers and police teams rushed to the scene.
Following the attack, authorities declared an emergency in local hospitals. Medical teams immediately began treating the injured personnel.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 teams continued relief operations throughout the night. Officials fear the death toll may rise as search efforts continue in the damaged area.
After the attack, Bannu police launched a large-scale operation under the supervision of RPO Sajjad Khan. Security forces cordoned off the entire area and began searching for the attackers and their facilitators.
At the same time, police tightened security across Bannu city. Authorities also established additional checkpoints to prevent any further incidents.
Local residents came out in support of the police and security forces after the tragedy. Many people gathered near the area to express solidarity with the families of the martyred personnel.
Bannu has witnessed several violent incidents in recent months. Militants have repeatedly targeted civilians, police personnel, and jirga members in different areas of the district.
As a result, security forces have carried out targeted operations against militant networks in the region. However, attacks continue to pose serious security challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The attack on the Fateh Khel police post once again highlights the dangers faced by police personnel in conflict-hit areas. It also reflects the growing security concerns in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The nation now mourns the loss of 15 brave officers who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties.
