BANNU: Two separate attempts by terrorists to destroy civilian infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district were foiled on Thursday.
The terrorists targeted a government girls’ school and a bridge in the district. According to local sources, explosives planted at the school partially damaged the building.
Security forces responded promptly and prevented what could have been a major incident.
Terrorists also planted explosives under a bridge in an attempt to destroy it and disrupt movement in the area. According to officials, a barrel filled with explosives was placed beneath the bridge.
Upon receiving information about the device, security forces reached the site, where a bomb disposal unit successfully defused it.
Security forces said around 50kg of explosives had been planted beneath the bridge.
They added that investigations into both incidents had been launched, while law enforcement agencies had intensified search operations and intelligence-based efforts in the region to apprehend those involved.
Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.
Last month, seven people were killed and three others injured in two explosions in Marka Bera, a semi-tribal mountainous area of Bannu’s Wazir sub-division.
In another incident in June, militants attempted to destroy the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road with explosives. Local sources said the blast caused partial damage to the bridge and also affected a nearby mosque building. However, no casualties were reported.
On May 23, at least two police personnel and as many civilians were martyred, while 25 terrorists were killed in a fierce clash between law enforcers, a peace committee and militants.
On May 9, at least 15 police personnel were martyred after a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu.
Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces.
