A suicide attack targeting a security forces convoy in Bannu District claimed the lives of a commanding officer and a soldier, while five terrorists were also killed, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces were conducting an intelligence-based operation on the reported presence of terrorists, including a suicide bomber, when their convoy was targeted.

The ISPR identified the attackers as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as an Indian proxy “Fitna al Khwarij.”

A vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group of the convoy, successfully foiling what officials described as a nefarious plan to target innocent civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city. The interception averted what could have been a major catastrophe.

Five terrorists eliminated

During the operation, security forces located the terrorists and engaged them in an intense exchange of fire.

As a result of the firefight, five terrorists were eliminated.

However, in what the ISPR termed a desperate move, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.

Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz embraces martyrdom

The blast resulted in the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, 43, a resident of District Mansehra.

The ISPR described him as a brave commanding officer known for leading his troops from the front and for his daring actions.

Sepoy Karamat Shah, 28, a resident of District Peshawar, also embraced martyrdom in the attack.

The military’s media wing stated that terrorists s are continuing their terrorist activities inside Pakistan using Afghan soil, including during the holy month of Ramadan.

The statement said this reflects that such elements have no link with Islam. It further added that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to prevent the use of its territory for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Operations to continue under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’

Pakistan, the statement said, will not exercise restraint and operations will continue against the perpetrators of this “heinous and cowardly act” irrespective of their location.

The counter-terrorism campaign under the vision “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace.

Security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to eliminating what the ISPR described as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

The military emphasized that the sacrifices of soldiers further reinforce the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Pakistan at all costs.