Security forces on Friday repulsed a major militant assault in the Tirah Valley of Khyber District when a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted the Pakistan Army’s 27 Brigade under the command of the 26 FF unit at Parak Bangla Battalion. The attack began with the detonation of an explosive-laden vehicle, followed by heavy firing with both small and large weapons. Troops responded immediately, engaging the assailants in a fierce exchange of fire. One soldier was martyred in the line of duty while several others sustained injuries. The wounded were evacuated to the FTC Hospital in Larr Bagh for medical treatment. Firing later subsided and the area was secured after a clearance operation.
Shortly after the incident, the group Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan issued a claim of responsibility for the suicide bombing and gun attack. However, security officials did not immediately confirm the authenticity of the claim, noting that investigations are under way to ascertain the perpetrators.
Extensive search and clearance operations have been launched in the surrounding areas to trace support networks and prevent further attempts by militants. The Tirah Valley, located in Khyber District near the Afghan border, has long been vulnerable to militant infiltration and has witnessed repeated attempts by extremist groups to destabilise the region. Officials underscored that while militant outfits continue to make claims of responsibility, ground verification is essential to establish accountability for such attacks.
