The Pakistani military has talked of Afghan nationals involvement in a deadly attack on a military cantonment in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming the assault was orchestrated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Afghan soil.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the TTP militants launched the attack on Tuesday using two explosive-laden vehicles. The assault resulted in 34 fatalities, including five Pakistani soldiers, 13 civilians, and 16 TTP militants, four of whom were suicide bombers. At least 32 others sustained injuries.
The powerful explosions partially destroyed the cantonment’s perimeter wall and several nearby houses. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the blasts, showing thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky amid sustained gunfire.
The Pakistani military has called on the Taliban government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. It warned that Islamabad reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to cross-border threats.
This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks where Pakistan has accused Afghan nationals of involvement in the ongoing conflict between the Pakistani military and the TTP. Islamabad has repeatedly claimed that the Taliban government provides sanctuary to TTP militants, an allegation Kabul denies, asserting that Pakistan’s security challenges are rooted within its own borders.
The Bannu attack comes amid ongoing clashes between Pakistani border forces and the Taliban at the Torkham border, which have been escalating over the past several days.
