12 Pakistan soldiers killed in suicide car bomb attack
What's the story
Twelve Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday night when a suicide bomber crashed an explosive-laden vehicle into a joint checkpoint near Malikhel. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), "The terrorists attempted to attack a joint check post...but their attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by troops." The explosion caused massive damage, collapsing part of the perimeter wall and damaging nearby infrastructure.
Responsibility claimed
Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claims responsibility for attack
The Pakistan Army said that six terrorists were also killed in the ensuing gunbattle, while the injured personnel from the attack have been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. The suicide car bombing was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban. Following the attack, a sanitization operation has been launched to bring those responsible to justice.
Twitter Post
6 terrorists were also killed
#ISPR
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) November 20, 2024
On 19 November 2024, Khwarij attempted to attack a Joint Check Post in general area MaliKhel in Bannu District.
In ensuing fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell.
1/5 pic.twitter.com/R2XPZ0tZ5B
Violence surge
Surge in violence prompts military offensive
This is the latest in a string of violent incidents in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Earlier this month, another attack at Quetta railway station killed 25 people, including 14 soldiers. The Centre for Research and Security Studies reported a 90% increase in violence in the third quarter of 2024. In light of these attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a new military offensive against separatist groups in Balochistan.