Bannu, Pakistan: On March 4, a devastating attack involving twin suicide bombings targeted a military facility in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in at least 12 deaths and over 30 injuries. Among the deceased were civilians, including seven children, who were caught in the ensuing chaos as bombs detonated shortly after sunset—coinciding with the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Reports indicate that the attackers used explosive-laden vehicles to breach the perimeter wall, causing extensive destruction to nearby structures, including a mosque.

The militant group Jaish Al-Fursan, an affiliate of the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for this assault, marking the third attack since Ramadan began. According to police officials, as the explosions were occurring, additional militants attempted to enter the facility but were halted by security forces, who killed at least six of them during the clash, based on reports from Al Jazeera.

The Bannu District Hospital reported that most casualties were civilians, trapped under debris from collapsed buildings caused by the explosions. Military officials described the blasts as powerful enough to generate 'two four-foot craters' in the ground, demonstrating the destructive force of the attacks. A local official confirmed, "This attack shows the increasing frequency and sophistication of assaults carried out by militant groups against security installations in the region," Reuters noted.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned this act of violence, stating, "The evil ambitions of the enemies of Pakistan will never succeed." Bannu has seen a significant spike in such attacks recently, reflecting a broader trend of escalating violence across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has been a hotspot for various militant activities. Authorities are urging the Afghan government to take action against groups using their territory to launch assaults into Pakistan, as these incidents raise critical security concerns for the nation.