A terrorist was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) he was installing near Doh Ghoda Bridge in Bannu detonated prematurely on Tuesday, while his wounded accomplice fled towards a nearby residential area, police said.
No civilian casualties were reported and the bridge, a key route for travelers from Bannu and Miranshah to Peshawar, remained intact. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to arrest the injured terrorist.
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Police collected evidence at the scene and are working to identify the deceased terrorist. The bridge, located about 2 kilometers from Bannu town in Sorani village, is located within a densely populated area with schools and office buildings nearby. Police said the attack appeared to be aimed at disrupting connectivity with Peshawar.
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Bannu region deputy inspector general of police Sajad Khan said police responded quickly to prevent a major disaster. “The search for the injured terrorist has intensified and we urge citizens to immediately report any suspicious person or activity,” he added.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates separate commando groups in different regions. In and around Bannu, the Gul Bahar subgroup of the TTP, led by commander Gul Bahar, is believed to be responsible for the attempted attack.
