Security forces foiled a terrorist attack in the Bannu cantonment area on Monday, Radio Pakistan reported.

Per the report, terrorists attempted to enter the high-security cantonment area by detonating an explosive-laden vehicle on the road linking the outer wall of the cantonment with the supply depot.

“Security forces foiled the terrorists’ attempt by taking timely action […] and have started a clearance operation,” the report said.

Area locals told Dawn.com that they heard two explosions near the cantonment at about 4:40am, followed by the sound of gunshots. They said houses and shops located near the site of the explosions were damaged following the blasts, adding that casualties are feared.

While the government has yet to release the details of casualties, a spokesperson for the government hospitals in Bannu, Muhammad Numan, told Dawn.com that eight people were left wounded in the attack.

“Naheed Bibi, 55, who was injured due to firing, was shifted to Peshawar,” he said, adding that others with minor injuries were discharged after treatment.

“Three women were injured due to firing while fragments from the blast also landed in their homes,” he added.

Other people who sustained injuries included Sawera Bibi, 25, Bakawar Bibi, 26, Jamila Bibi, 30, Sunbul,9, Maria, 5, Esa, 3, and Anwar Ali, 9.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Last week, Islamabad once again ruled out the possibility of any talks with the TTP and reiterated that Kabul must act against terrorists operating on its soil.

According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan saw 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a record six-year high.

KP and Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for over 90 per cent of all fatalities and 84 per cent of attacks, including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...