Pakistan Prepares Strong Response After Deadly Bannu Police Post Attack

Pakistan is preparing a strong response after a deadly terrorist attack on the Fateh Khel police checkpoint in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 15 police personnel were martyred.

According to security officials, the assault took place late Saturday night when terrorists rammed an explosives-filled vehicle into the checkpoint, causing a massive explosion. Militants then launched a coordinated attack using heavy weapons and quadcopters from multiple directions.

Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan said 18 personnel were present at the checkpoint during the attack. Fifteen officers embraced martyrdom, while three others were injured and later rescued from the rubble.

Initial investigations and intelligence reports suggest the attack was orchestrated by Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) elements allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Reports indicate that the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction, affiliated with the TTP, has claimed responsibility.

Following the incident, Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and delivered a strong protest, demanding immediate and verifiable action against terrorist groups using Afghan soil. Officials stated that Pakistan reserves the right to take decisive measures in response to such attacks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the assault, while state funerals for the martyred officers were held on Sunday.

The attack comes amid the ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq, launched in February 2026 in response to repeated cross-border militant activity. Pakistani security forces claim the operation has significantly damaged terrorist infrastructure linked to militant groups operating across the border.