BANNU: A devastating terrorist attack on the Fateh Khel police checkpost in Bannu claimed the lives of 15 police personnel after attackers detonated a vehicle loaded with a huge quantity of explosives, according to an official police report submitted on Monday.
The report, prepared by Bannu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan, revealed that terrorists used nearly 1,200 to 1,500 kilograms of explosive material in the assault carried out on the evening of May 9.
Police officials said the explosive-packed vehicle, reportedly a loader rickshaw, was blown up near the main gate of the checkpost around 8:30pm, causing a massive explosion that destroyed large parts of the building and nearby structures.
Following the blast, heavily armed militants attempted to storm the checkpoint and capture weapons and equipment. However, police personnel stationed at the post responded with intense retaliatory fire, preventing the attackers from entering the facility. Authorities said several terrorists were killed or injured during the exchange.
The powerful blast left the checkpoint in ruins and also damaged nearby houses and buildings. Emergency was declared in major hospitals across Bannu as rescue teams shifted the injured and security forces sealed the area.
Police confirmed that 15 personnel embraced martyrdom while three others sustained injuries in the attack. Funeral prayers for the fallen officers were later offered at Police Lines Bannu with full state honours.
According to the report, the Fateh Khel checkpost has faced repeated militant attacks over the past five months, surviving at least 18 previous attempts. Officials noted that this latest assault was far more destructive due to the unusually large quantity of explosives used.
Investigators have identified the militant network behind the attack and said evidence points towards the involvement of terrorists operating from Afghanistan. A search operation was launched immediately after the incident to trace facilitators and remaining attackers.
The banned outfit Ittehad Mujahideen Pakistan, linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, claimed responsibility for the deadly assault.
Meanwhile, Pakistan summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest over the incident. The Foreign Office stated that preliminary investigations and technical intelligence indicated the attack had been planned by militants based inside Afghanistan.
