Bannu, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistan’s security agencies say the recent suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu has been traced to militant networks operating from Afghanistan.
According to security sources, the attack was claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, a splinter group linked to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of Fitna Al-Khawarij. Authorities say the group’s leadership, including Hafiz Gul Bahadur, is currently based in Afghanistan and has been directing terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Security officials noted that the same group carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment on March 4, 2025, during Ramadan, which was also planned from Afghan territory. Another major attack occurred on September 2, 2025, targeting the Federal Constabulary in Bannu, where Major Adnan was martyred while defending the area. The group has also claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in North and South Waziristan, including Mir Ali.
Sources further stated that militant leaders enjoy safe havens in Afghanistan, with more than 70% of individuals involved in recent terrorist incidents having Afghan origins or links to Afghanistan-based networks. Officials accuse the Afghan Taliban regime of providing support or failing to curb militant activities, which they say continues to undermine regional peace efforts.
