2 soldiers, 5 TTP militants killed in suicide attack on convoy in Pak's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Two soldiers and five militants were killed on Saturday after a suicide bomber targeted a security forces’ convoy in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the army said. The attack took place in Bannu district during an intelligence-based operation against militants.

According to the military, security forces had launched the operation after locating members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by authorities as “Fitna al Khwarij”. Five militants were killed during the encounter. However, amid the operation, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy.

The army said the leading group of the convoy intercepted the attacker, preventing what it described as a larger catastrophe that could have targeted civilians or law enforcement personnel in Bannu city. Despite the interception, the explosion resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

Officials maintained that the operation was aimed at dismantling terrorist networks active in the region. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, with security forces carrying out frequent operations against TTP militants.

The latest incident underscores the continued security challenges in the province bordering Afghanistan, where militant violence has persisted despite intensified counter-terror efforts by Pakistani forces.