At least five martyred, 18 injured in Bannu suicide attack: security sources

A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the gate of the Domel police station in Bannu, leaving five people martyred and 18 others injured, Aaj News reported citing security sources on Friday.

According to security sources, a suicide bomber attempted to attack the police station in the Domel area of Bannu. However, due to effective security measures, the bomber was unable to reach his target and instead struck civilians outside the station, they added.

The attack resulted in the martyrdom of five individuals, including three women, a child, and one man, while 18 others sustained injuries. The deceased and the injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities and treatment, respectively.

Following the incident, rescue teams and local residents reached the site to begin relief operations; work to clear the debris is currently underway.

Senior security officials stated that security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend those involved in the attack.

Officials maintained that terrorist elements aim to disrupt the peaceful environment of Bannu, but security agencies remain committed to foiling their nefarious designs.

Security authorities have appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant departments and cooperate fully with security forces. They reaffirmed the resolve to continue operations under the National Action Plan until the elimination of the last terrorist.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the suicide attack on a police station in the Domel area of Bannu district.

President Zardari prayed for forgiveness of deceased and recovery of injured, the Media Wing of President House stated.

The prime minister expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, the PM Office said in a statement.

“We are committed to the complete elimination of all forms of terrorism from the country,” the prime minister affirmed.