In a tragic incident on October 17, Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists carried out a suicide attack on a Khadi post in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, killing three women and two children.
The attack, claimed by the foreign Gul Bahadur group operating from Afghanistan, came after a series of successful counter-terrorism operations by Pakistani security forces that have eliminated dozens of militants in recent weeks.
Cowardly attack targets innocent civilians
According to security sources, the suicide bomber targeted the Khadi post in Mir Ali, causing the deaths of five civilians, including women and children. In the ensuing exchange, security forces responded immediately, killing four terrorists on the spot.
Authorities confirmed that the Gul Bahadur group, responsible for the attack, is based in Afghanistan and operates under the patronage of the Afghan Taliban. Officials condemned the assault, calling it a cowardly act by terrorists attempting to retaliate after their heavy losses in recent security operations.
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“After facing defeats, the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists are now cowardly targeting innocent citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” a senior security official said. “Our forces remain determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.”
Minister condemns attack, confirms counter-operation
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar strongly condemned the attack and confirmed that a major intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted against the foreign Gul Bahadur network in response.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the minister said: “Khawarij Gul Bahadur elements carried out a car bomb attack in North Waziristan. Civilians and a military personnel were martyred, and several others were injured.”
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He added that the overnight counter-operation had successfully neutralized 60 to 70 foreign terrorists, including key leaders of the Gul Bahadur network. “All speculations and claims of targeting civilians are baseless,” he stated, emphasizing that Pakistan reserves the right to protect its borders, people, and territorial integrity.
Right to defend itself
Tarar reaffirmed the government’s stance that terrorists will not be allowed safe havens in Afghanistan or permitted to attack Pakistan’s sovereignty. “Pakistan has the full right to defend its people and borders,” he said, warning that militants seeking refuge across the border would face decisive action.
