Bannu suicide attack linked to Afghan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, says security sources

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - Security sources have traced links of the recent suicide attack on a Pakistan Army vehicle in Bannu to Hafiz Gul Bahadur, currently based in Afghanistan.

According to officials, the responsibility for the Bannu attack has been claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, a sub-group of the Fitna-ul-Khawarij network, which operates under Hafiz Gul Bahadur. The group’s leadership, including Gul Bahadur and key commanders, are reportedly taking refuge in Afghanistan while orchestrating terrorism and sectarian unrest in Pakistan.

Sources highlighted that the same group was behind the attack on Bannu Cantt on March 4, 2025, during Ramadan, which was also planned from Afghan soil. On September 2, 2025, Major Adnan was martyred fighting bravely during another Fitna-ul-Khawarij attack in Bannu.

Officials added that multiple attacks in North and South Waziristan, including Mir Ali, have been claimed by the same group, with planning and facilitation traced back to Afghanistan.

Security sources say Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s presence in Afghanistan demonstrates the use of Afghan territory for terrorism. They further assert that the Afghan Taliban regime’s support for terrorist groups provides safe havens, undermining regional peace initiatives. Evidence suggests over 70 percent of militants involved in Pakistan terror incidents have Afghan origins or links to Afghan-based networks.

The sources warned that Afghan Taliban patronage of terrorists continues to sabotage efforts for stability and security in the region.