Share this story!            

7 killed in Bannu suicide attack

* ISPR says Afghan currency, Indian medicines recovered during operation in Bajaur
* Three Taliban killed in Bajaur Agency

PESHAWAR/KHAR/ GHALANAI: At least seven people including a policeman were killed and 16 others including four policemen injured when a suicide bomber targeted a police patrol vehicle in Bannu district on Friday, police said.

Local sources told Daily Times that a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a police car patrolling the streets near Tarezi Chowk on the main Bannu-Kohat road.

The blast destroyed the police vehicle and the injured were taken to Bannu District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ). The Bannu Township station house officer is also among the injured.

Bannu District Police Officer Alam Shinwari told Daily Times that the police opened fire on the bomber before he smashed into their vehicle. Police cordoned off the area after the attack and started investigation.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the blast in Bannu, APP reported.

In his message, Zardari said the government was determined to deal with the scourge of terrorism and extremism with an iron hand.

Gilani said those carrying out acts of terrorism will never escape from the law.

ISPR: Separately, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said that the security forces recovered Afghan currency notes worth Rs 8 million hidden in three different locations during a search operation in Loyesam and Zor Bandar areas of Bajaur Agency. The statement said that a huge quantity of Indian-made medicines was also recovered from the compounds, which were being used by the Taliban.

Killed: Three militants were killed and several others injured in the ongoing military operation against the Taliban in the agency on Friday, local sources said.

Meanwhile, the Salarzai Qaumi Lashkar has started action against the Taliban in their areas and hundreds of lashkar volunteers have set up new checkposts and tightened security.

Separately, the Taliban attacked Mamadgut military camp in Mohmand Agency on Friday. A Taliban and a civilian were killed in crossfire by the security forces.

Later in the day, a jet aircraft bombed suspected Taliban hideouts in various areas of Safi tehsil. No casualties were reported.

Taliban also attacked security forces’ Lakrao checkpost. The Taliban and security forces exchanged fire, which continued until the filing of this report.

Separately, the Taliban damaged a Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited booster affecting 4,000 telephone connections in various areas of the agency. manzoor ali shah/hasbanullah khan/ mukaram khan/app

Home | National

Share this story!