Powerful Blast Triggers Prolonged Gunbattle
At least five people, including police personnel, were injured after militants attacked Miryan Police Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Wednesday.
The assault began when an explosives-laden vehicle was driven into the police station, causing a powerful explosion. The blast damaged part of the station and was heard across surrounding areas.
Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retired) Muhammad Furqan Bilal confirmed the attack. The local hospital administration also confirmed receiving injured people following the explosion.
Police immediately opened retaliatory fire after the blast. A prolonged gunbattle followed between the attackers and officers stationed at the facility.
Additional police units were deployed as the exchange continued. Members of a local Police Peace Committee also reached the area to support security and rescue efforts.
No deaths were initially reported in the Bannu attack. Authorities had not immediately released detailed information about the condition or identities of those injured.
Militants Allegedly Destroy Bridge to Delay Reinforcements
Police sources said the attackers appeared to have planned the operation in several stages.
Before targeting the police station, militants reportedly blew up an already damaged bridge located on the main route to the facility. Investigators believe the bridge was targeted to delay police reinforcements, ambulances and rescue personnel.
Despite the obstruction, additional police contingents managed to reach the station. Security was tightened across the area, while routes leading to the site were placed under surveillance.
The explosion also damaged nearby residential properties. Local residents came out after the blast and assisted authorities with rescue efforts.
Security personnel later began searching surrounding areas for the attackers. Officials had not immediately confirmed whether any militants were killed or arrested during the exchange of fire.
No organisation initially claimed responsibility for the assault. However, Bannu and several other districts near the Afghan border have faced repeated attacks by militant organisations in recent years.
Repeated Attacks Raise Security Concerns in Bannu
Miryan Police Station has previously faced militant violence, including attacks involving explosive devices and remotely operated aircraft.
The latest incident comes amid a wider increase in attacks targeting police stations, checkpoints, patrols and local peace committee members across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In April, a suicide vehicle bombing at Domel Police Station in Bannu killed at least five civilians. Thirteen other people, including a police officer, were injured in that attack.
Police and security forces have since conducted targeted operations in different parts of Bannu to disrupt militant networks and prevent further attacks.
The district has become one of the most heavily affected areas in the province’s worsening security crisis. Civilians, police personnel and community representatives have repeatedly been targeted.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, fatalities linked to violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025.
The latest attack has renewed concerns about the use of explosives-laden vehicles against fortified security installations. It has also highlighted the growing risks faced by police personnel serving in areas affected by militancy.
Authorities are expected to examine surveillance footage, vehicle remains and explosive material recovered from the scene. Investigators will also assess how the attackers reached the station and whether they received local assistance.
Security operations and searches were continuing in the area as officials worked to identify those responsible for the attack.
