Pakistan security forces kill 6 militants after suicide attack kills 6 personnel in northwest

At least six security personnel were killed and six militants neutralized in a terrorist attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Lines in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, officials said.

According to Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan, the attack began at 5:15 a.m. when militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the main gate of the FC compound. Following the blast, assailants stormed the facility, triggering a prolonged gun battle.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, six security personnel, including FC and police officers, were killed, while 19 others were wounded, officials confirmed. The injured were taken to hospitals in Bannu, with some later transferred to Peshawar for further treatment.

District Police Officer Saleem Abbas Kolachi says a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the compound’s main gate at about 5:10 a.m.. Courtesy: Bannu Police and local residents

The clearance operation involved a coordinated response from the FC, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and local police. It was personally overseen by DIG Sajjad Khan and DPO Saleem Abbas Kalachi, who directed efforts to eliminate the militants and secure the compound.

Earlier reports indicated that five militants initially stormed the site, briefly occupying offices and exchanging heavy fire with security forces.

One attacker, believed to be a trained sniper, reportedly held a fortified building for some time, resisting initial breach attempts.

Security forces had even attempted to demolish the building with explosives, but it withstood the blasts, according to sources.

A security personnel is being treated at a local hospital in Bannu.Courtesy: Bannu Police and local residents

Authorities confirmed that by the end of the 12-hour operation, the compound was fully secured, with six militants killed. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Militant groups including the Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group, Jabhatul Mahdi Khorasan, and Al-Badr Ishtihadi Kandak—all linked to the umbrella network Ittihadul Muhajideen Pakistan (IMP)—claimed responsibility for the assault.

Bannu, in northwestern Pakistan, has long been a hub of militant activity. In March, a similar attack saw 16 militants storm a cantonment in the district, killing five soldiers and 13 civilians. All 16 assailants were killed in that operation, with the Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group claiming responsibility.