Rawalpindi: Security Sources Link Bannu Suicide Attack on Army Vehicle to Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group in Afghanistan
Security sources have revealed that the suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu traces back to Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the key leader of Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) operating from Afghanistan.
According to the sources, the banned sub-group Ittihad al-Mujahideen—affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of Fitna al-Khawarij—has claimed responsibility for the Bannu suicide bombing. Both Hafiz Gul Bahadur and his senior commanders are currently sheltering in Afghanistan, using Afghan territory to plan, facilitate, and execute terrorist activities and destabilization efforts inside Pakistan.
Sources further stated that the same group was behind the attack on Bannu Cantonment during Ramadan on March 4, 2025, with planning and coordination conducted from Afghan soil.
They also recalled that during the Fitna al-Khawarij attack on the Federal Constabulary in Bannu on September 2, 2025, Major Adnan embraced martyrdom while fighting bravely.
The group has publicly claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in Mir Ali and across North and South Waziristan. Subsequent investigations confirmed that the planning and logistical support for these operations originated from Afghanistan.
Security sources emphasized that the presence of Hafiz Gul Bahadur and other central Fitna al-Khawarij leaders in Afghanistan provides clear evidence that Afghan territory is being used as a safe haven for terrorism against Pakistan.
The sources added that the Afghan Taliban regime’s continued patronage and protection of terrorist organizations is evident, allowing these elements secure sanctuaries on Afghan soil.
Evidence also shows that more than 70 percent of individuals involved in terrorist incidents inside Pakistan are either Afghan nationals or linked to Afghanistan-based networks.
Security sources concluded that the Afghan Taliban regime’s support for terrorists is consistently undermining regional peace efforts and sabotaging stability in the area.
