Taliban-Linked Group Attacks Military Base in Pakistan, 12 Killed, at Least 30 Injured

Taliban-Linked Group Attacks Military Base in Pakistan, 12 Killed, at Least 30 Injured

Peshawar, Pakistan — A military base in northwestern Pakistan was attacked with two suicide bombings that breached the wall, followed by attempts by additional attackers to enter the compound. However, security forces repelled the attackers. The assault left at least 12 people dead and 30 others injured, according to local hospital and official reports.

A group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. They asserted that several members of the Pakistani security forces were killed, but the military did not immediately confirm any casualties. Bannu District Hospital reported that at least 12 people have died so far.

The two suicide bombers detonated explosives near the wall of the military area. A security official stated that after the explosion, five to six more attackers attempted to enter the cantonment but were repelled. The attack occurred after sunset, when Muslims were preparing to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

The group Jaish al-Fursan claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the source of the blasts were explosive-laden vehicles. Police officer Zahid Khan confirmed that after the explosions, plumes of smoke were seen, and gunfire continued. Hospital officials mentioned that four of the deceased were children who lived near the site of the explosion.

Muhammad Noman, spokesperson for Bannu District Hospital, reported that the explosions had severely damaged nearby homes and other buildings.

Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan, the hospital director, said, "We have received 42 victims so far, with 12 dead and 30 injured. Some of the injured are in critical condition, but most are stable. All doctors, especially surgeons and paramedical staff, have been called for duty as a medical emergency has been declared."

The explosions also caused the roof of a nearby mosque to collapse, trapping several worshippers inside. Rescue teams reported recovering the body of the mosque’s imam from the rubble.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed his condolences for the loss of life. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Last November, a suicide car bombing in Bannu killed 12 soldiers and wounded several others. In July, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden vehicle, and other militants opened fire near the outer wall of the military base.