Pakistani security forces thwarted a suicide attack on the Mazanga Police Check-post in the Miryan area of Bannu district on Friday evening, marking the latest in a series of cross-border terror plots allegedly facilitated by Afghan-based militants.
According to security officials, a Zaranj rickshaw rigged with explosives attempted to breach the checkpoint. Personnel on duty grew suspicious of the vehicle’s movement and signaled it to stop. When the rickshaw continued advancing, police opened fire. The vehicle exploded moments later, at a distance from the post.
“The attacker detonated prematurely due to the alertness of the sentries. Thankfully, there were no casualties,” a police official confirmed.
Simultaneously, a rocket was fired at Miryan police station, also in the same jurisdiction. However, it missed its target and instead landed in a nearby market area, causing no loss of life or property. Gunfire was reported briefly in the aftermath, but the situation was brought under control swiftly.
Escalating Cross-Border Threats
The foiled attack comes on the heels of multiple security incidents in Pakistan’s tribal districts over the past week, amid what officials describe as a coordinated escalation of cross-border terrorism allegedly sponsored by Indian-backed elements within the Afghan Taliban.
In Bajaur yesterday, security forces seized an explosives-laden vehicle, preventing what was believed to be a major terror attack. In Datta Khel (North Waziristan), a preemptive operation neutralized suspected militants before they could launch attacks inside Pakistani territory. In Mir Ali, a suicide bombing on a security forces camp resulted in the martyrdom of one officer and injuries to several others, with all attackers neutralized on-site. And on the same day in Lakki Marwat’s Sultan Khel area, security forces eliminated at least 8 Afghan-backed terrorists during an intelligence-based operation.
Strategic Response Underway
In response to repeated violations of a 48-hour ceasefire agreement by militants operating from Afghan soil, Pakistan has conducted precision strikes along the border, targeting terror safe havens used to orchestrate attacks inside Pakistan.
A senior official from Pakistan’s security apparatus noted that the latest failed attack in Mazanga is further proof of foreign-sponsored terrorism attempting to destabilise Pakistan’s internal peace, especially in border areas.
“These are not isolated incidents. There is a clear pattern of coordination, and Pakistan will respond with full resolve to defend its people and borders,” the official said.
Security and intelligence agencies are continuing investigations into the origin, handlers, and logistical support behind the recent wave of attacks. Preliminary evidence reportedly links these incidents to networks operating out of eastern Afghanistan.
