Two suicide bombers detonated themselves at the facility as the assault began

An assault on a military base in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday evening has left at least 18 people dead and 42 injured, the AP has reported. The militant group Jaish Al-Fursan, affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the outlet.

The attack in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province began when two suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden vehicles against the base's perimeter wall, creating a breach that allowed additional militants to storm the compound. A fierce gunfight ensued, during which security forces repelled the intruders. The military reported that five soldiers and 16 insurgents were killed in the confrontation. 

The explosions occurred shortly after sunset, coinciding with the time when many residents were breaking their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The powerful blasts caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a mosque, where the collapsing roof trapped worshippers inside. Rescue workers recovered the body of the building's imam from the rubble. 

Local hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties. Bannu District Hospital reported receiving 42 victims, including 12 fatalities, including at least four children. The hospital spokesperson noted that the majority of the casualties were civilians affected by collapsing buildings and walls. 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the attackers as "cowardly terrorists who target innocent civilians during the holy month of Ramadan," and stated that "the evil ambitions of the enemies of Pakistan will never be allowed to succeed." He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent civilian lives and praised the bravery of the security forces in thwarting the militants' assault.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant attacks over the past few months, with several incidents occurring in the region, according to reports. Last year, a foiled attack on the Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines resulted in the death of four police officials and five militants, who were wearing burqas and suicide vests.

In December, Pakistan launched airstrikes which reportedly targeted suspected insurgent camps in the Waziristan border area. A spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan claimed 46 people were killed in the attack, mostly women and children.