WEBDESK: Security sources have revealed that three of the five attackers involved in last week’s deadly suicide attack on a security forces base in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were Afghan citizens.
The attackers have been identified as Abdul Aziz, also known as Qasid Muhajir from Paktika; Shabbir Ahmed, also known as Maulvi Bilal Muhajir from Maidan Wardak; and Najibullah, also called Hazaqa from Khost. Pakistani authorities have not yet officially confirmed their identities.
A video obtained by Afghanistan International shows one of the attackers claiming he was ready to “sacrifice in the way of Allah” in Pakistan. He also appealed to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for support. He said he was based in Bahramcha, Helmand province, which is allegedly used for cross-border operations.
The attack began when militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the wall of the security base. They then entered the compound, engaging in a 12-hour firefight with security forces. Pakistani police said six security personnel were killed, all six attackers were killed, and 16 security personnel and three civilians were injured.
The assault mirrors old Afghan Taliban tactics, including suicide attacks and car bombings.
The incident has further strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government. On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry rejected comments from Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, who questioned Pakistan’s military capabilities. The ministry said such remarks cannot hide the TTP’s safe havens in Afghanistan.
Although the Afghan Taliban government has repeatedly denied that TTP or other foreign groups operate from Afghan soil, international estimates suggest around 6,000 TTP militants currently reside in Afghanistan, many of whom are active in organised training camps.
The Bannu attack highlights the growing threat of cross-border militancy and rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, posing serious risks to regional security.
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