By Sunday noon, reports confirmed the fatalities of 15 officers stationed at the post on the outskirts of Bannu.
Earlier, police official Sajjad Khan indicated that the full extent of the damage would be assessed once the operations concluded.
”The assailants initially struck the police post with an explosive-laden vehicle, and then militants breached the site, opening fire on police personnel,” another police official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated.
According to police officials, a suicide bomber detonated the vehicle filled with explosives near the security post, allowing several gunmen to invade the area, resulting in a fierce shootout.
Following the initial blast, multiple explosions were reported, causing nearby houses and parts of the security facility to collapse. Some officers were believed to be injured and trapped beneath the debris as the gunfire continued late into the night.
”Other law enforcement personnel were dispatched to assist, but they were ambushed by the terrorists, leading to additional casualties.”
Police sources indicated that the militants also utilized drones during the assault.
Ambulances from rescue organizations and local hospitals were sent to the location, and officials announced a state of emergency in government hospitals in Bannu.
A militant group called Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack.
Such militant assaults can rekindle tensions along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. Severe clashes erupted between former allies in February, culminating in Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting militant bases.
Since then, while fighting has decreased, sporadic skirmishes along the border have persisted, with no official ceasefire established.
Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants who launch attacks within Pakistan from Afghan territory.
The Taliban has rejected these allegations, asserting that militancy in Pakistan is an internal issue.
First Published: May 10, 2026 8:17 AM IST
