RAWALPINDI: The death toll in the Bannu Cantonment attack increased to 18 as Pakistan claimed that 16 terrorists who attacked the high-security zone a day earlier were getting instructions from their handlers in Afghanistan.
In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed the security forces engaged the terrorists with precision, eliminating all 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers. The military media wing added that during the intense exchange of fire, five soldiers, after putting up heroic resistance, embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.
The statement read that multiple suicide blasts partially collapsed the perimeter wall, causing damage to the adjacent infrastructure. “Tragically, a mosque and a civilian residential building in close proximity also suffered severe destruction, leading to the martyrdom of 13 innocent civilians and injuries to 32 others,” said the ISPR.
The army media wing’s statement read that intelligence reports had “unequivocally confirmed the physical involvement of Afghan nationals in this heinous act, with evidence also pointing to the fact that the attack was orchestrated and directed” by terrorists operating from Afghanistan.
“Pakistan expects the interim Afghan government to uphold its responsibilities and deny its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Pakistan reserves the right to take necessary measures in response to these threats emanating from across the border,” it added. It reaffirmed that the security forces remained steadfast in their resolve to eradicate militancy in all its forms, adding that sacrifices of the brave soldiers and innocent civilians “further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs”.
Read more: 5 Cops, 13 Civilians Martyred As Security Forces Eliminate 16 Terrorists
