Pakistan suicide bombing: A deadly terrorist attack struck northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday evening as two suicide bombers from a militant group drove explosives-laden vehicles into an army compound in Bannu Cantonment, triggering massive explosions that killed nine civilians, including three children and two women.
According to local police sources, the attack resulted in at least 20 injuries and widespread structural damage. A senior district police official, speaking anonymously, confirmed: “The death count now stands at nine, including three children and two women. At least 20 others were injured in both blasts.”
Hafiz Gul bahadur faction JFM has declared todays fidayeen attack on Bannu Cantt as “Operation Inteqaam-e-Lal Masjid”.#Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hNfhO3SH1e
— Geo Political Updates (@GeoPolUpdates) March 4, 2025
The powerful explosions left two four-foot-deep craters and caused severe damage to at least eight houses in the area.
Gunfight Ensues as Militants Attempt to Storm Compound
Following the suicide bombings, 12 militants attempted to storm the compound but were met with heavy resistance from security forces, leading to a fierce gunfight.
“Apart from two suicide bombers, six militants were shot dead in an exchange of fire,” the police official added.
Security forces are still pursuing remaining attackers, and the situation remains tense.
Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group Claims Responsibility For Suicide Bombing
The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a militant faction known for supporting the Afghan Taliban in its war against US-led NATO forces since 2001, has claimed responsibility for the Pakistan suicide bombing incident.
In a statement, the militant group said: “Our fighters got access to an important target and took control.” However, the group did not provide further details on its claim of control.
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This attack comes just days after a suicide bomber targeted an Islamic religious school in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing six people, including key Taliban leaders.
Hafiz Gul Bahadur militants have also targeted the same Bannu Cantonment before—last July, an attack on the compound’s boundary wall killed eight Pakistani soldiers.
BREAKING : TTP fighters launched a special operation against Pakistan Army, Dozens of TTP fighters entered in restricted area of Bannu Cantonment and eliminated 20+ Pakistani soldiers. Heavy firing and explosions can still be heard.
More details soon pic.twitter.com/9U2ifD8zta
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) March 4, 2025
Pakistan’s Security Crisis Worsens
According to the Center for Research and Security Studies, 2023 was Pakistan’s deadliest year in a decade, with over 1,600 people killed in terrorist attacks.
Pakistan blames Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers for harboring militants who launch attacks across the border, a charge that Kabul denies.
The escalating terrorist activities in Pakistan signal a growing security crisis, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The Pakistani government and military leadership have yet to issue an official statement on the latest Bannu Cantonment attack, but security operations are ongoing to counter the militants.
