At least 12 security forces personnel were martyed in Bannu in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan as they foiled a major terror attack, the military said on Wednesday.

Six fita-e-khawarij terrorists were also killed, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military.

“On 19 November 2024, Khwarij attempted to attack a Joint Check Post in general area MaliKhel in Bannu District. In ensuing fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell. The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted by own troops, which forced the khwarij to ram an explosive laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the post,” a statement from the ISPR read.

“The suicide blast led to collapse of portion of perimeter wall and damaged the adjoining infrastructure, resulting in Shahadat of twelve brave sons of soil that include ten Soldiers of the security forces and two soldiers of Frontier Constabulary.”

“Sanitization operation is being conducted in the area and the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice. Security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve,” it added.