Suicide attack on police station in Bannu kills officer, injures 10
A suicide bomber and gunmen attacked a police station in Bannu, northwest Pakistan, killing one officer and injuring 10 others, including civilians and troops.
Kamran Ali
Correspondent Nukta
Kamran Ali, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a decade of experience covering terrorism, human rights, politics, economy, climate change, culture, and sports. With an MS in Media Studies, he has worked across print, radio, TV, and digital media, producing investigative reports and co-hosting shows that highlight critical issues.
A police officer was killed and 10 other people were injured in a suicide attack on a police station in Pakistan's northwestern Bannu district, police said.
A militant rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Miryan police station while other militants opened heavy fire, triggering a powerful explosion, district police officer Muhammad Furqan Bilal said.
What happened in the Bannu police station attack?
Militants targeted the Miryan police station in Bannu, ramming an explosives-packed vehicle into the compound while gunmen fired from multiple positions. The blast killed police officer Noor Jamal Khan and injured three police officers, three army personnel and four civilians, all of whom were hospitalized for treatment.
How did security forces respond to the attack?
Police said the attackers tried to storm the station after the explosion, but security forces launched a counter-operation and blocked them from breaching the facility. Several militants were killed or injured during the exchange of fire, while the rest fled under cover of darkness, police said. The explosion was heard from a considerable distance and damaged the police station along with nearby homes.
Who claimed responsibility for the Bannu attack?
Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, known as IMP, claimed responsibility for the attack and released details it said belonged to the suicide bomber. Militants and security forces exchanged heavy gunfire for several hours after the blast, causing panic among residents nearby.
How have officials reacted to the attack?
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, saying police sacrifices in the fight against militancy were a source of national pride that would not be forgotten. He also directed authorities to ensure injured officers received the best possible medical care.
Why is Bannu prone to militant violence?
Bannu sits in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Pakistan's tribal districts along the Afghan border, an area long vulnerable to militant violence. The region has seen repeated activity from groups including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, IMP and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.
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