ISLAMABAD: Security forces thwarted a major terrorist attack by Fitna-al-Khwarij on Bannu Cantonment and killed at least six terrorists.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) said that at least 15 civilians, including four children and two women, were killed in the blast, while 25 others sustained injuries.
The attack comes days after a suicide bomber killed six people at a religious school in Pakistan, attended by key Taliban leaders in the same province.
According to security sources, militants attempted to breach the cantonment’s perimeter by ramming two explosive-laden vehicles into its wall during Iftar, a time when the market was crowded.
One of the vehicles was detonated in an area adjacent to the market, resulting in civilian casualties and severe damage to a nearby mosque.
The targeting of innocent civilians and a mosque during the holy month of Ramazan proved that these militants have no connection to Islam.
Security forces have launched a clearance operation that will continue until the complete elimination of all Khwarij elements.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for foiling a terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment and eliminating the terrorists behind the attempted strike.
The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, strongly condemned the attack and expressed grief over the martyrdom of innocent citizens in the incident.
They prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls, early recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss of losing their dear ones.
President Zardari said that the attack during Iftar in the holy month of Ramazan was a heinous act.
“The entire nation rejects such malicious acts. We are resolved to continue operations to eliminate the terrorists,” he remarked.
The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment to those injured in the incident.
“The cowardly terrorists attacking innocent citizens during the holy month of Ramazan deserve no mercy.
The Khawarij are enemies of Pakistan and its innocent citizens, and their evil designs will never succeed.
The entire nation stands alongside its security forces in the fight against the Khawarij until they are eliminated in toto,” the prime minister resolved.
