Afghan Refugee Camp in Bannu Evacuated Following Attack on Police Vehicle

BANNU: Authorities in Bannu on Saturday ordered the evacuation of an Afghan refugee camp after a police vehicle was attacked by suspected terrorists near the site, officials said. The vehicle sustained partial damage, but no casualties were reported.

According to police, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mufeez Khan was traveling from Township to Domel when suspected attackers ambushed the police vehicle near the Afghan refugee camp located on Kohat Road. Police said the attack appeared to be premeditated, but the officers managed to respond promptly, forcing the assailants to flee the scene.

Following the incident, a heavy police contingent was deployed to the area, which was cordoned off while a search operation for suspicious individuals was launched. The operation is ongoing, police said.

In response to the attack, officials from the police and district administration visited the refugee camp to begin its immediate evacuation. District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi said that Afghan refugees had previously been given formal deadlines to return to their home country, and many families had already left.

DPO Afridi noted that several previous attacks on law enforcement had originated from the camp, with militant elements allegedly using it as a shield. “Considering the serious security concerns, the decision to evacuate the camp immediately was necessary,” he added.

District administration officials reported that the camp was home to a total of 2,567 individuals, of whom 1,700 had already returned to Afghanistan. On Saturday, an additional 120 individuals, comprising 20 families, were sent back. To reinforce security measures, structures within the camp were demolished using heavy machinery.

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Authorities said the evacuation and demolition were carried out to prevent further misuse of the camp for militant activities and to ensure the safety of both law enforcement personnel and local residents.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Bannu and highlights the continued efforts by local authorities to manage risks related to refugee settlements in the region.