Pakistan: Several killed as terrorists target hospital, army site near Afghan border

Two separate attacks by terrorists on an army base and a health centre in northwest Pakistan have killed at least 28 people, including 10 soldiers, female health workers, and children.

The Pakistani military disclosed these details on Tuesday (July 16).

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The attacks, which took place on Monday (July 15) and were extensively reported by WION, continue to mark a resurgence of Islamist militancy in the border region adjoining Afghanistan, especially since the takeover of Kabul by Taliban in August 2021.

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In the first incident, terrorists launched a deadly assault on a military base in Bannu, near the tribal area of North Waziristan, close to the Afghanistan border. A suicide bomber who drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the base's perimeter wall and killed about eight security personnel.

The military confirmed on Tuesday (July 16) that security forces killed all 10 assailants involved in the attack.

"This timely and effective response...prevented major catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives," the military's statement read.

The Bannu base, established during the British colonial era, has traditionally served as a launchpad for anti-militant operations and is surrounded by civilian homes.

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Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border attacks with the Taliban administration, which denies permitting Afghan territory to be used for such activities. This ongoing issue has led to clashes between the border forces of the two countries.

"Pakistan Armed Forces will...take all necessary measures as deemed appropriate against these threats emanating from Afghanistan," the military asserted on Tuesday.

In a separate attack late Monday night, terrorists targeted a health facility in the Dera Ismail Khan district, killing five civilians, including two female health workers and two children. The subsequent clashes led to the deaths of two soldiers and all three terrorists involved, the Pakistani military said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for this attack.

(With inputs from agencies)