Four Killed as Gunmen Attack Private Ambulance on Bannu's CPEC Road

Four people were killed late Thursday night when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a private ambulance traveling along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Circular Road in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said Friday. The attack occurred within the jurisdiction of Mirakhel police station, and all four victims died at the scene before law enforcement arrived.

The assailants fled before police reached the location. Authorities have not yet identified the victims due to the absence of identification documents. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the incident, ordering a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police and pledging that those responsible will be held accountable.

Details of the Attack

Police said the ambulance was passing through the Mirakhel police station area on the CPEC Circular Road when armed men opened fire during the night hours.

All four occupants died instantly at the site of the attack. The gunmen escaped the area before security forces could arrive, and no arrests have been made so far.

Victim Identification Pending

Officials said the identities of the four deceased could not be confirmed immediately, as no identification documents were recovered from the scene.

Police said the bodies would be released to their families once the identification process is completed.

Police Response and Investigation

Police and rescue personnel reached the site shortly after the shooting and moved the bodies to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Bannu.

Investigators sealed the crime scene and collected forensic evidence to assist in determining the circumstances of the attack.

Police said preliminary findings point toward a possible act of terrorism, although they noted that all potential angles are still under examination.

Search Launched for Attackers

A search operation has been launched to track down and arrest those responsible for the shooting.

Authorities said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Chief Minister Orders Report, Vows Action

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the firing incident and requested a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police.

In a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Afridi described the killing of innocent civilians as deeply tragic and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

"Those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice," Afridi said, according to the statement, while directing law enforcement agencies to further strengthen operations against elements attempting to disrupt peace and security in the province.

Government Pledges Support to Families

Afridi said the provincial government stands with the victims' families during this time of grief and will extend every possible assistance to them.

He also prayed for the deceased and for patience and strength for their families to bear the loss.

[Source:arynews]