RAWALPINDI, Saturday, February 21, 2026 (WNP): Two security personnel, including a commanding officer, were martyred when a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a security forces convoy in Bannu district during an intelligence-based operation, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, 43, a resident of District Mansehra, and Sepoy Karamat Shah, 28, a resident of District Peshawar, embraced martyrdom while leading the operation against militants described as “Fitna al Khwarij.”
The statement said the convoy was targeted on February 21 while security forces were conducting an intelligence-based operation on the reported presence of militants, including a suicide bomber. The leading group intercepted a vehicle-borne suicide bomber, thwarting what officials described as an attempt to target civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city and averting a major catastrophe.
During the ensuing operation, security forces engaged the militants in an exchange of fire, killing five of them. However, terming it a desperate act, the ISPR said attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group, resulting in the martyrdom of the two soldiers.
The military said the slain commanding officer was known for leading his troops from the front and for his operational courage. It added that their sacrifices reflected the armed forces’ continued resolve to counter terrorism.
The statement alleged that the militants were operating from Afghan soil and accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of failing to prevent the use of their territory for attacks inside Pakistan. It further stated that carrying out such attacks during the holy month of Ramadan demonstrated that the perpetrators had “no link with Islam.”
Pakistan, the statement said, would continue operations against those responsible and pursue what it described as justified retribution against militant elements, regardless of their location.
The armed forces and law enforcement agencies are continuing their counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, to eliminate what the statement termed foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation, stating that the sacrifices of its personnel further strengthen its resolve to ensure security and stability.
