Attack on security forces installation in Bannu foiled: sources

ISLAMABAD: Security sources said Tuesday that an early morning attack on the security forces installation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was “successfully repulsed”.

Locals, however, said they heard an explosion and firing near the FC line. Security sources said three militants have been killed.

Also read: Eight soldiers martyred in militant attacks in KP: officials

Correspondents in Bannu said a group of militants launched an attack around 5:15 AM. They first blew up an explosive-laden vehicle and they started firing.

Roads to the FC Line on Kohat Road has been closed. Parts of the vehicle could be seen lying on the road. Firing could be heard in videos posted on social media.

Jabhatu Ansar al-Mahdi Khorasan (JAMK), affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the attack.

MILITANT ATTACKS SURGE IN AUGUST

According to data released by an Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan witnessed an alarming spike in militant attacks in August 2025, with violence rising by 74 per cent compared to July.

With 143 attacks recorded, August became the deadliest month in more than a decade, surpassing all monthly figures since February 2014, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) militancy database said.

The violence left 194 people dead, including 73 security personnel, 62 civilians, 58 militants and one pro-government peace committee member. Another 231 were injured, including 129 security personnel, 92 civilians, eight militants and two peace committee members. Militants also abducted at least 10 people.

In response, security forces also stepped up operations, killing at least 100 militants and arresting 31 others nationwide. These operations also led to the deaths of three civilians and one security personnel, according to PICSS.

Also read: Militant attacks in Pakistan surge to decade-high in August

Regional breakdown shows that Balochistan remained most volatile with 28 attacks, causing 52 deaths including 23 security personnel, 21 civilians and eight militants. Another 45 people were wounded and militants abducted at least five people.

Security forces killed 50 militants in the province, the highest number of militant deaths in operations since June 2015, when 60 were reported. Intelligence-led raids dismantled BLA and BLF camps, and several key commanders were arrested.

Tahir Khan