Terrorists of Gull Bahadur Group Attack Bannu Cant – All Killed – 8 Soldiers Embrace Shahaadat

Rawalpindi, 16 July 2024: In early hours of 15 July 24, a group of ten terrorists attacked Bannu Cantonment. The attempt to enter the cantonment was effectively thwarted by the security forces personnel, which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive laden vehicle into perimeter wall of the cantonment.

The suicide blast led to collapse of portion of the wall and damaged the adjoining infrastructure, resulting in shahadat of eight brave sons of soil that include: Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad (age: 44 years, resident of: District Poonch, AJK), Havildar Zil-e-Hussain (age: 39 years, resident of: District Khushab), Havildar Shahzad Ahmed (age: 28 years, resident of: District Neelum, AJK), Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan (age: 30 years, resident of: District Muzzafarabad, AJK), Sepoy Sobhan Majeed (age: 22 years, resident of: District Muzzafarabad, AJK), Sepoy Imtiaz Khan (age: 30 years, resident of: District Karak), Sepoy Arsalan Aslam (age: 26 years, resident of: District Bahawalpur) of Pakistan Army and Lance Naik Sabz Ali (age: 34 years, resident of: Lakki Marwat) of Frontier Constabulary.

In the ensuing operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists as a result of which all ten terrorists were sent to hell. This timely and effective response by the security forces prevented major catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives. The gallant and selfless action of the security forces is a testament of unrelenting resolve in fight against terrorism.

The heinous act of terrorism has been undertaken by Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which operates from Afghanistan and has used Afghan soil to orchestrate acts of terrorism inside Pakistan in the past as well. Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns with Interim Afghan Government, asking them to deny persistent use of Afghan soil by the terrorists and take effective action against such elements.

Pakistan Armed Forces will keep defending the motherland and its people against this menace of terrorism and will take all necessary measures as deemed appropriate against these threats emanating from Afghanistan.

On night 15/16 July 24, terrorists carried out a cowardly attack on Rural Health Center (RHC), Kirri Shamozai in Dera Ismail Khan District and opened indiscriminate fire on RHC staff.

Resultantly, five innocent civilians including two Lady Health Workers, two children and one Watchman embraced Shahadat.

Security Forces in vicinity were immediately mobilized for clearance operation in RHC and in ensuing fire exchange, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists as a result of which three terrorists were sent to hell.

However, during intense fire exchange, Naib Subedar Muhammad Farooq (age 44 years, resident of District Narowal) and Sepoy Muhammad Javed Iqbal (age 23 years, resident of District Khanewal) paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.

Sanitization of area is being carried out to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. The perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act targeting innocent civilians, especially women and children, will be brought to justice.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday strongly denounced the terrorist incident in Bannu Cantonment and paid homage to the martyred soldiers for thwarting the attacks. In a statement, the president highlighted that the nation’s soldiers prevented a major loss through swift action. The president expressed that the entire nation was proud of the brave soldiers’ sacrifice and paid tribute to the security forces for their role in foiling the terrorist attack in Bannu Cantonment. The President reiterated his commitment to eliminate those engaged in such despicable activities. He offered prayers for the martyrs, seeking their elevation in paradise and requesting patience for their grieving families.

Message of Condolence by H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Honorable Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan on the Martyrdom of Pakistani Security Forces in Banu:انا لله و انا الیه راجعون
I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Pakistan on the martyrdom of 8 Pakistani security forces. May God Almighty bless the soul of the the Martyrs and console families who lost loved ones. My prayer goes for the safe recovery of the injured.

Amen