The terrorist organization Majlis-e-Askari Karwan has claimed responsibility for a failed suicide attack targeting security forces in the Mali Khel area of Bannu, according to sources.
The sources said the attack was carried out against security forces but failed to achieve its intended objective, with the security personnel successfully thwarting the assault.
Majlis-e-Askari Karwan is reportedly headed by Akhtar Muhammad Khalil, who, according to the sources, is currently based in Afghanistan. The reported claim of responsibility has once again drawn attention to the presence and operational activity of terrorist organizations using Afghan territory as a base for attacks against Pakistan.
The development also comes amid continued concerns over the presence of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. United Nations monitoring reports have repeatedly highlighted the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and their cross-border implications.
A recent UN Security Council monitoring report said the TTP had been given greater liberty and support by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities and that TTP attacks against Pakistan had consequently increased. The report also noted that Al-Qaeda continued to enjoy patronage from the Afghan de facto authorities and provided training and advice to other terrorist groups, principally the TTP.
Another UN monitoring report had previously stated that the Taliban continued to provide the TTP with logistical and operational space and financial support, while the number of TTP attacks inside Pakistan had risen sharply.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory pose a direct security threat to the country and has repeatedly called on the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against groups involved in cross-border terrorism.
The latest claim by Majlis-e-Askari Karwan adds another layer to the growing security challenge along Pakistan’s western frontier, where security forces continue to conduct intelligence-based operations and preventive measures to disrupt terrorist networks before they can carry out attacks.
The failed assault in Mali Khel also underscores the continuing threat posed by suicide attacks against security installations and personnel in Bannu and adjoining areas, where security forces have remained engaged in sustained counterterrorism operations.
