Two suicide bombings in Bannu Cantonment resulted in nine fatalities and over 25 injuries, striking during Ramadan’s iftar. Local officials reported extensive damage, with armed militants attempting control post-blast. Jaish-e-Forasan Mohammad claimed responsibility, raising concerns about cross-border terrorism as tensions with Afghanistan escalate.
Pakistan’s Bannu Cantonment was struck by two devastating suicide bombings on Tuesday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals, including five children, and injuring over 25 others. The attacks occurred during iftar, the evening meal during Ramadan, and were compounded by heavy gunfire between security forces and the attackers. Bannu, strategically located near the Afghan border, is pivotal for military operations in the Waziristan region.
Local officials reported that the explosions caused extensive damage, with the force of the blasts collapsing roofs and walls in the vicinity. A mosque within the cantonment was also affected, leading to the entrapment of worshippers under debris. According to Bannu police official Noor Marwat, a bomber crashed an explosives-laden vehicle at the cantonment gate, succeeded by the detonation of another vehicle near the perimeter wall.
In addition, armed militants attempted to seize control of the compound following the detonations. Noman Khattab, a spokesperson from Bannu Central Government Hospital, confirmed that many of the injured were affected by the falling structures. Reports indicate that Jaish-e-Forasan Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack, an armed group associated with the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction.
Bannu has a history of significant terrorist incidents, including a July 2024 attack that resulted in the deaths of eight military personnel. In 2022, fighters stormed the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) compound, overpowering security personnel before being neutralized. Pakistani authorities assert these groups operate unhindered from Afghanistan and accuse the Afghan Taliban of not mitigating cross-border violence, a stance the Afghan government vehemently denies.
The ramifications of this assault are likely to aggravate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as Islamabad calls for enhanced counterterrorism efforts from Kabul. Despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, security challenges, particularly concerning cross-border threats, remain pressing concerns for Pakistan.
The suicide bombings in Bannu Cantonment represent a significant escalation in terrorist activity, leading to numerous casualties and property destruction during a vulnerable period. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in Pakistan, particularly in relation to cross-border terrorism and the responsibilities of the Afghan government in maintaining regional stability. With the involvement of Jaish-e-Forasan Mohammad, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are poised to increase, challenging diplomatic relations.
Original Source: themedialine.org
