Attack on police facility in Bannu leaves multiple casualties

On Saturday, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at a police facility in the Bannu district of northwestern Pakistan. Following the explosion, armed militants raided the site and opened fire on personnel, while another group reportedly staged an ambush against responding security forces. Official casualty figures vary, with some reports citing at least 12 dead police officers, while other accounts suggest higher numbers, including 18 personnel, and mention equipment losses. At least five officers were injured and at least one remains missing, with authorities confirming that a recovery and security operation is currently underway. Some police sources also indicated the use of drones during the assault, which resulted in extensive damage to the facility. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency at area public hospitals. An alliance of groups known as Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack.