• Three cops injured; terrorists attack checkpoint with explosives-laden vehicle, heavy arms, drones
• PM, president vow to eliminate terrorism; Iran, Turkiye condemn attack
• 2 terror ‘commanders’ among those killed in N. Waziristan ops; hideouts destroyed in Shewa amid curfew

BANNU/MIRANSHAH: At least 15 police officers were martyred and three others wounded late on Saturday night after terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa’s Bannu district, followed by attacks from multiple directions with heavy weaponry and drones.

Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan confirmed that a total of 18 police personnel were on duty at the post when it was attacked. The initial assault began when terrorists drove a vehicle filled with explosives into the post.

Following the massive blast, militants opened heavy fire and launched a multi-pronged ground attack, according to authorities. “Fifteen were martyred and three sustained injuries,” the RPO said.

A senior administration official in Bannu told AFP the assailants also used quadcopters during the assault.

Nearby buildings also suffered severe damage due to the intensity of the blast. Multiple blasts were heard in the area, causing fear and panic among local residents.

The explosion completely destroyed the police post and an armored vehicle stationed there. Sources said that communication with the Fateh Khel police post was briefly lost in the immediate aftermath of the suicide bombing.

Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and a state of emergency was declared at local hospitals.

Bannu police, led by the RPO, launched an operation to secure the area, tightening security across the city and establishing additional checkpoints.

Rescue 1122 teams completed their search and recovery operation at the site on Sunday morning, clearing rubble with excavators. “The rescue operation has been completed. Fifteen bodies and three injured were recovered from the debris,” a statement from the agency said.

Condemnations

Top leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the deadly attack and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fighting terrorism.

In a phone call to KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of life. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, the premier said the federal government would provide “every possible assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism”.

While paying tribute to the police personnel, President Zardari said the “nefarious designs of terrorist elements would be foiled and the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its forces.”

“At a time when Pakistan is striving for regional and global peace, terrorists backed by India are targeting Pakistan’s civilian population and law enforcement agencies from sanctuaries provided by the Taliban regime,” he stated. However, he made it clear Pakistan would “target not only the terrorists, but also their facilitators and sponsors.”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident. “These courageous sons of the soil sacrificed their lives while protecting the people of Pakistan and defending peace. Their bravery, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he wrote on X. “Pakistan stands united against terrorism and such cowardly acts can never weaken our resolve.”

Besides top civil leadership, Iran and Turkiye also condemned the attack, with their envoys expressing condolences and solidarity with Pakistan.

Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, expressed condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, and the Turkish embassy in Pakistan stated it would “stand in full solidarity with Pakistan”.

N. Waziristan operation

The attack in Bannu came as security forces are engaged in a large-scale operation against militants in the nearby North Waziris­tan district. For the third consecutive day, operations continued in the Shewa tehsil, with officials reporting that seven militants, including two key commanders, were killed.

During the search and clearance operations, security forces destroyed several militant hideouts and seized weapons and other materials.

In the Dorwazanda area, the Alam Khel Market, which local residents claimed was used by militants for cover and movement, was reportedly demolished.

An alleged militant hideout and residential compound in the Anarkhel area were also destroyed with explosives.

Sources said that security forces had taken control of several key buildings that militants were allegedly using, including the Governor Model School.

Residents and local sources said door-to-door search operations were continuing in Dorwazanda and nearby areas. A curfew remained imposed across the affected areas, severely disrupting daily life and causing many families to move to safer locations.

According to reports, militants suffered heavy casualties during the ongoing operation. Sources claimed that the slain militants were allegedly involved in attacks on security forces and police personnel, as well as incidents of targeted killings.

Security operations were also launched in the Sarkhani area, where intermittent firing and explosions continued to be heard, sources said.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2026