Bannu Attack Perpetrators
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has vowed to bring the masterminds and facilitators behind the deadly Bannu Cantonment attack to justice. The assurance came in an official statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.
The COAS’s remarks follow a daring terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was successfully repelled by Pakistan’s security forces two days prior. According to the ISPR, all 16 militants who attempted to storm the facility were neutralized in a swift response by the armed forces.
However, the intense exchange of gunfire resulted in the martyrdom of five valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives while courageously defending the cantonment. In addition to the military personnel, at least 13 civilians also lost their lives, and 32 others sustained injuries due to destruction caused by suicide blasts triggered during the confrontation.
In light of the tragic incident, General Asim Munir visited Bannu to personally assess the situation on the ground. He was given a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing military operations and the overall security dynamics of the region.
During his visit, he also stopped at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Bannu, where he met with injured soldiers. He commended their resilience and unwavering dedication to their duty, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation.
While addressing the troops stationed in Bannu, General Munir praised their high morale and steadfast resolve in the face of adversity. He reiterated that the Pakistan Army remains a formidable shield against terrorism and will continue to uphold national security at all costs. He further assured the troops and the people of Pakistan that the fight against terrorist elements will persist until complete peace and stability are restored.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent civilian lives in the attack, General Munir extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He strongly condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, stressing that such barbaric acts expose the true face of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who he labeled as enemies of Islam.
The army chief also highlighted the critical role of the local community in countering terrorism. He emphasized that national unity remains an essential pillar in the battle against extremist elements, reassuring the nation that the armed forces will leave no stone unturned in ensuring their safety and security.
General Munir further underscored that the TTP and its facilitators, acting on behalf of hostile forces, would continue to be pursued relentlessly until their operations are completely dismantled. He pointed out that terrorist factions, particularly the TTP, continue to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan.
He also drew attention to the presence of foreign-manufactured weapons and equipment in recent terrorist attacks, citing it as irrefutable evidence that Afghanistan remains a sanctuary for militant groups. Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, he declared that no hostile entity would be allowed to disrupt the country’s peace and stability.
Upon his arrival in Bannu, the army chief was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar, who accompanied him during his visit.
