One terrorist was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) he was installing near Doh Ghoda Bridge in Bannu detonated prematurely on Tuesday, while his injured accomplice fled towards a nearby residential area, police said.
No civilian casualties were reported, and the bridge, a key route for travellers from Bannu and Miranshah to Peshawar, remained undamaged. The area has been cordoned off, and a search operation is underway to apprehend 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 2km from Bannu city in the village of Sorani, sits within a densely populated area with schools and office buildings nearby. Police said the attack appeared aimed at disrupting connectivity to Peshawar.
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Bannu Region Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajad Khan said the police responded swiftly to prevent a major disaster. “The search for the injured terrorist has been intensified, and we urge citizens to report any suspicious individuals or activities immediately,” he added.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates separate command groups across different regions. In Bannu and surrounding areas, the TTP sub-group Gul Bahar, led by commander Gul Bahar, is believed to be responsible for the attempted attack.
