The suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu has been traced back to Afghanistan, according to security sources.
Sources said responsibility for the attack was claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, a sub-group of what authorities describe as “Fitna al-Khawarij”. The outfit is said to be affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.
According to security officials, the group’s central leader, Hafiz Gul Bahadur, along with other militants, is currently based in Afghanistan. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group is alleged to be involved in orchestrating terrorist activities and unrest in Pakistan from Afghan territory.
Security sources further claimed that on 4 March 2025, during the holy month of Ramadan, the same group carried out an attack on Bannu Cantonment, with the planning allegedly conducted from across the border.
In addition, on 2 September 2025, the group reportedly attacked the Federal Constabulary in Bannu, during which Major Adnan was martyred while fighting bravely. The group has also claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Mir Ali as well as in North and South Waziristan. Officials allege that the planning and facilitation of these attacks were carried out from Afghanistan.
Sources maintain that senior leaders of the network, including Hafiz Gul Bahadur, remain present in Afghanistan, which they describe as evidence that Afghan soil is being used for terrorist activities.
According to security officials, militants are provided with safe havens in Afghanistan, and more than 70 per cent of individuals involved in terrorist incidents are either of Afghan origin or linked to networks operating from there.
They further alleged that the patronage of militants by the Afghan Taliban regime continues to undermine efforts for regional peace.
