Security forces repel terrorist attack in Bannu, kill 16 rebels

A total of 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers, were killed as security forces successfully repelled an intrusion attempt at Bannu Cantonment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday..

- Tariq Butt

The ISPR said that five soldiers were martyred while 13 civilians also died during a terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment.

On Wednesday, thousands of people poured on to the streets of Bannu for the funerals of 18 people, including six children, killed in a suicide attack on a security installation.

Muhammad Nauman, a spokesperson for a nearby hospital, said six children were among those killed and 36 others were wounded. Abdullah Khan, a 46-year-old resident of Bannu who runs a livestock business said it was the largest funeral ever seen in the town.

Riaz Wazir, a 46-year-old shopkeeper, who also attended the funeral, said that, in addition to the loss of life, the blasts had caused substantial damage and financial loss. "Buildings that have fallen are destroyed. Those that have not fallen are dangerous because of explosions, any accident can happen," he said.

A day of mourning was being observed, said Bannu community elder Alam Khan, and joint funeral prayers were held later in the day for the victims at a sports complex in the area.