A suicide blast occurred near the Doh Ghoda Bridge in Bannu on Tuesday, close to the Basiya Khel police station, officials confirmed.

According to police, the attacker blew himself up before reaching his intended target. A body and a damaged motorcycle were found at the scene, indicating that the bomber may have been travelling on the bike at the time of the explosion.

Law enforcement personnel quickly reached the site and cordoned off the area. An investigation is currently underway to determine the target of the attack and whether the bomber had any accomplices.

Just a few days ago, on Nov 15, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and police carried out a successful joint operation in the Takhtikhel border area of Bannu and Lakki Marwat, killing five terrorists.

Also Read: Five terrorists killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa joint operation

Authorities confirmed that the action was based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of a militant formation in the area.

Operation conducted on actionable intel

According to the CPO, the operation was launched after receiving credible information about militant activity. During the encounter, security forces recovered weapons from the militants, preventing a potential threat to the region.

Officials added that the operation was part of broader efforts to dismantle extremist networks operating near the border areas.

The Bannu RPO praised the performance of the police and CTD personnel, stating that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remain fully prepared to uphold law and order at all times.