A terrorist was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) he was planting near the 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 travelers from Bannu and Miranshah to Peshawar, remained undamaged. The area is cordoned off and a search is underway to apprehend the wounded terrorist.
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Police collected evidence at the scene and are working to identify the deceased terrorist. The bridge, located about 2 km from Bannu city in Sorani village, is in a densely populated area with schools and office buildings nearby. Police said the attack appeared to be aimed at disrupting connectivity to Peshawar.
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Bannu Region Deputy Superintendent of Police Sajad Khan said the police responded quickly to prevent a major disaster. “The search for the wounded terrorist has been intensified and we urge citizens to immediately report suspicious persons or activities,” he added.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates separate commando 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.
