*** Death toll from Pakistan attack rises to 13 civilians, 5 soldiers: military | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Death toll from Pakistan attack rises to 13 civilians, 5 soldiers: military

AFP | Peshawar, Pakistan
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The death toll from the suicide bombing attack on a military base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu Cantonment has risen to 18, including 13 civilians and 5 soldiers. The attack occurred on March 4 when two explosive-laden vehicles breached the cantonment’s boundary wall.

According to military sources, the bombers targeted the cantonment at sunset during Ramadan, causing massive destruction. The civilian casualties include four children and two women. An additional 30 people were injured in the blast, with many transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Following the explosions, several terrorists attempted to infiltrate the cantonment but were met with strong resistance. The military neutralized at least six of the assailants, while others remain surrounded as clearance operations continue.

The Jaish Al Fursan group, affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities have sealed off the affected areas, and security forces are maintaining strict access controls around the site.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, condemned the attack, calling it an “extremely tragic and condemnable” event, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged to support efforts to bring those responsible to justice.