The suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu has been linked to militant commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who is reportedly based in Afghanistan.
Responsibility for the Bannu suicide attack has been claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, a subgroup of Fitna-al-Khawarij. Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen is affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, according to security officials.
The group’s central leader, Hafiz Gul Bahadur, along with his key commanders, is reportedly taking shelter in Afghanistan.
This faction of terrorists has been involved in multiple attacks on security forces and civilians in Pakistan in the past.
On March 4, 2025, during the holy month of Ramadan last year, the same group carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment, which was allegedly planned from Afghanistan.
Similarly, on September 2, 2025, during an attack by Fitna-al-Khawarij on the Federal Constabulary in Bannu, Major Adnan embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely.
It was later established that the planning and facilitation of those attacks were also carried out from Afghanistan, security sources added.
The presence of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and other central leaders of Fitna-al-Khawarij in Afghanistan is said to be evidence that Afghan soil is being used for terrorism, according to security officials.
Security sources further claimed that the support of terrorist organizations by the Afghan Taliban regime clearly indicates that terrorists are being provided safe havens in Afghanistan.
Evidence also suggests that more than 70 percent of individuals involved in terrorist incidents in Pakistan are either Afghan nationals or linked to networks operating from Afghanistan, according to security sources.
Security officials stated that the alleged patronage of terrorists by the Afghan Taliban regime continues to undermine peace efforts in the region.
Also Read: Lt Col Sahibzada Gul Faraz embraces martyrdom in Bannu suicide attack
