Major Taliban Attack on Pakistan Army Brigade HQ in Bannu: Fierce Battle Rages for Over 18 Hours
Bannu, Pakistan | March 5, 2025 – A major Taliban attack has been reported on the Pakistan Army’s Brigade Headquarters in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The assault began with a powerful suicide car bombing, followed by an ongoing gunbattle involving multiple heavily armed Fidayeen attackers. Explosions from the initial blast were reportedly heard over 15 kilometers away, indicating the intensity of the attack.
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Despite the Pakistan Army deploying its elite Special Services Group (SSG) commandos and launching a counteroffensive with gunship helicopters, the situation remains highly volatile. The operation to neutralize the attackers has now continued for over 18 hours, but the security forces have failed to fully regain control of the base.
Massive Security Breach at Key Military Facility
The attack has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s internal security, as Bannu district is a strategic military area near the restive tribal belt. The Brigade Headquarters houses a significant number of troops and serves as a key operational center for counterterrorism activities in the region.
According to initial reports, the attack was launched in the early hours of Tuesday, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) exploded at the main gate of the military facility. The impact of the explosion was so severe that parts of the building collapsed, creating an entry point for the attackers.
Eyewitnesses and security sources suggest that at least 8-10 heavily armed Fidayeen attackers stormed the premises following the blast. The militants, suspected to be from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), engaged in an intense firefight with security forces stationed inside the base.
Prolonged Battle: SSG Commandos Struggle to Regain Control
The Pakistan Army quickly mobilized reinforcements, including SSG commandos, to counter the assault. However, despite their expertise in counterterror operations, the militants have managed to hold their ground. Heavy exchange of gunfire, grenade blasts, and airstrikes from Pakistani military helicopters have been reported throughout the night and into the following day.
Local residents have described the situation as chaotic, with the sound of automatic gunfire and explosions reverberating across the district. Security forces have sealed off the entire area, imposing a curfew-like situation, and suspending internet services to prevent real-time intelligence from reaching the attackers’ handlers.
Rising Casualties Amidst the Battle
While official figures are yet to be confirmed, sources indicate that at least 10-15 Pakistani soldiers, including senior officers, have been killed in the ongoing battle. Several more have been wounded and transported to military hospitals. On the other hand, reports suggest that some of the attackers have also been neutralized, but an unspecified number are still holed up inside the base, prolonging the standoff.
Hospitals in the region have been placed on high alert, with ambulances rushing towards the military base amid continued gunfire. The Pakistan Army has not yet issued an official statement regarding the extent of damage or casualties.
TTP’s Growing Threat to Pakistan’s Security
The TTP has intensified its attacks on Pakistani military and police installations over the past year, particularly after the breakdown of peace talks between the group and Islamabad. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the TTP has gained operational strength and launched several high-profile attacks on security installations in Pakistan.
This latest assault in Bannu bears similarities to previous high-casualty attacks, including the December 2022 Bannu Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) siege, where TTP militants overran a police facility and took hostages.
What Next?
The prolonged operation in Bannu underscores the growing security challenges facing the Pakistan Army, especially in its fight against the resurgent TTP. With the militants showing remarkable resilience in holding off elite forces for over 18 hours, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy.
As the situation remains tense and fluid, security analysts believe this attack could have significant ramifications for Pakistan’s internal stability. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the Pakistani military can successfully neutralize the attackers and prevent further escalations in the region.
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