Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu on Thursday, following a ‘foiled’ terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment on March 4, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations.

General Munir was briefed on the ongoing operations and the security situation in the area. He also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bannu to check on the injured soldiers, praising their resilience and dedication. The COAS commended the troops’ high morale and unwavering resolve, emphasizing the Pakistan Army’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring national security.

The COAS offered condolences to the families of civilians killed in the attack, describing it as a “heinous and cowardly act.”

While confirming that the immediate attackers were neutralized, hesaid that the planners and facilitators of the attack would be brought to justice. He condemned the targeting of civilians, including women and children, highlighting it as evidence of the terrorists’ true nature as enemies of Islam.  He stressed the importance of national unity in the fight against terrorism and reiterated the army’s commitment to the safety and security of the Pakistani people.

Addressing the troops, General Munir lauded their heroic actions in thwarting the attack. He stated that the fight against the ‘khwarij’ and their facilitators, who he said are acting on behalf of hostile foreign elements, will continue until all those responsible are held accountable.

The COAS highlighted the continued threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, citing the use of foreign weapons in recent attacks as evidence of Afghanistan serving as a safe haven for these groups. He also reiterated Pakistan’s determination to prevent any entity from disrupting its peace and stability, ISPR added.

A total of 16 terrorists, including four suicide bombers had attacked Bannu Cantt on Tuesday. The terrorists had rammed explosive-laden vehicles into the Cantt’s walls, causing damage to a mosque, where maghrib prayers were underway, as well as a residential building. As a result, 13 civilians had been killed and 32 injured.

Security forces had swiftly responded to the attackers, eventually neutralizing all of them. However, five soldiers had been martyred in the operation as well.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadar affiliated Jaish Al Fursan had claimed responsibility for the attack.