A terrorist was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) he was planting near Doh Ghoda Bridge in Bannu exploded prematurely on Tuesday, while his injured accomplice fled to 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, was not damaged. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to apprehend the injured terrorist.
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Police have collected evidence from the scene and are working to identify the deceased terrorist. The bridge, located about 2 km from Bannu town in Sorani village, is in a densely populated area with schools and office buildings nearby. Police said the attack appeared aimed at disrupting connectivity with Peshawar.
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Bannu region Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajad Khan said police responded quickly to avert a major disaster. “The search for the injured terrorist has been intensified and we urge citizens to immediately report any suspicious person or activity,” he added.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates separate command groups in different regions. In and around Bannu, the Gul Bahar sub-group of the TTP, led by Commander Gul Bahar, is believed to be responsible for the attempted attack.
