All 16 terrorists killed as security forces respond to Bannu Cantt attack: ISPR – Pakistan

All 16 terrorists were eliminated while five soldiers were martyred as security forces responded to yesterday’s terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s namesake district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday.

Te­r­rorists had rammed two exp­losives-laden vehicles into the perimeter of the Bannu Cantonment in an attempt to enter the high-security zone on Tuesday evening.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement today that “troops engaged the intruders with precision, eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers”.

“In the intense exchange of fire, five brave soldiers, after putting up a heroic resistance, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty,” the ISPR added.

Meanwhile, 13 civilians lost their lives while another 32 were injured as a result of a mosque and a residential building suffering “severe destruction” due to the suicide blasts causing the perimeter wall to partially collapse.

Recalling the attack’s details, the ISPR said: “On March 4 2025, a cowardly terrorist attack was attempted on Bannu Cantonment by khwarij elements.

“The assailants sought to breach the cantonment’s security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Pakistan’s security forces. In their desperation, the attackers rammed two explosive-laden vehicles into the perimeter wall,” the ISPR said.

“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our valiant troops engaged the intruders with precision, eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers,” the statement said, adding that five soldiers were martyred during the efforts.

“The multiple suicide blasts resulted in the partial collapse of the perimeter wall, causing damage to the adjacent infrastructure. Tragically, a mosque and a civilian residential building in close proximity also suffered severe destruction, leading to the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians and injuries to 32 others,” the ISPR stated.

It further noted that intelligence reports “unequivocally confirmed the physical involvement of Afghan nationals in this heinous act, with evidence also pointing to the fact that the attack was orchestrated and directed by Khwarij ring leaders operating from Afghanistan”.

“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Pakistan reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to these threats emanating from across the border,” the military said.

It reaffirmed that the security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs.”

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