Twin Suicide Blasts Kill 12, Injure 30 in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A coordinated terrorist attack at a military base in Bannu Cantonment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, left at least 12 people dead and 30 injured on Tuesday evening. The attack, which took place just after Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan, involved two suicide bombers who detonated explosives to breach a security barrier, allowing other militants to storm the compound.

Key Details of the Attack

• The terrorist group Jaish ul Fursan, which recently aligned with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• Four children were among the deceased, while hospital officials reported that the blasts damaged homes and other buildings, causing walls and roofs to collapse.
• A mosque near the site also suffered structural damage, leading to further casualties among worshippers.
• Gunfire was heard in the aftermath, and thick smoke rose from the scene, as seen in social media footage.
• Attackers used two suicide car bombs (SVBIEDs) as a diversion, followed by a coordinated assault involving 5-6 terrorists.

Casualties & Medical Response

Dr. Ahmed Faraz Khan, director of Bannu District Hospital, stated:

• 42 victims were brought in, with 12 confirmed dead and 30 injured.
• Several injured individuals were in critical condition, though most were stable.
• Emergency medical teams, including surgeons and paramedics, were called in to handle the crisis.

Government Response & Condemnation

• Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of life.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered an official inquiry.

Background & Recent Attacks

This attack follows a February 28 bombing, where a suicide bomber targeted a seminary, killing top pro-Taliban cleric Hamidul Haq Haqqani, four worshippers, and injuring 20 others in the same province.

Pakistan has been witnessing an uptick in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups continue their attacks against security forces.