BANNU: Security sources said on Saturday that the suicide attack targeting a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu has been traced to militants connected with Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who is allegedly operating from Afghanistan.
According to officials, the responsibility for the attack was claimed by Ittehadul Mujahideen, a sub-group of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the state refers to as Fitna al Khawarij. Sources indicated that this group is affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur network.
Security officials alleged that Hafiz Gul Bahadur and key commanders of the group are currently based in Afghanistan and have been using Afghan territory to plan and facilitate attacks inside Pakistan.
They noted that the same network had carried out the March 4, 2025 attack on Bannu Cantonment during Ramazan, asserting that the planning for that assault was also conducted from across the border.
Sources also highlighted the September 2, 2025 attack on the Federal Constabulary in Bannu, during which Major Adnan was martyred while engaging with militants. They linked this group to multiple attacks in Mir Ali, as well as North and South Waziristan, noting that investigations indicated cross-border planning and logistical support.
Security officials maintained that the presence of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and other senior TTP leaders in Afghanistan provided evidence that Afghan soil is being used for militant activities against Pakistan.
They further alleged that support from the Afghan Taliban regime is enabling such groups to operate safe havens, thereby undermining regional peace efforts.
Citing intelligence assessments, sources claimed that over 70 percent of the militants involved in recent attacks in Pakistan are either Afghan nationals or linked to networks operating from Afghanistan. There was no immediate response from Afghan authorities regarding these allegations.
Read also: Two martyred, 12 injured in powerful explosion in Bannu
