Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed 17 terrorists, including three key commanders, during a series of successful operations across the Bannu region, as police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Quick Response Force (QRF), security forces, local peace committees and area residents joined hands to confront militant groups.
The combined operations in multiple areas of Bannu were conducted by local police, CTD Bannu, the Quick Response Force and security forces, resulting in the killing of 17 terrorists among them three important commanders while several others sustained injuries. Throughout these operations, personnel from the police and security forces remained safe, and local communities actively supported the actions against militant elements.
A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain terrorists, and significant damage was inflicted on the local command structure of the militant faction referred to as Fitnatul Khawarij, including the elimination of key commanders.
In one of the major operations, Lakki Police, CTD Bannu and security forces launched action in Sheri Khel and Pakka Pahar Khel after confirming the presence of militant groups. During this engagement, 10 militants were killed and five others wounded, while a facilitator was also arrested. The bodies of seven terrorists were recovered, while three corpses could not be retrieved due to the difficult mountainous terrain. Among the dead were commanders Niaz Ali, known as Akasha, and Abdullah, known as Shaponkuai both wanted figures for police and security agencies.
In a separate operation in Nasar Khel, Lakki Police, the CTD and the local peace committee conducted a joint raid that resulted in the killing of another wanted terrorist. Residents of the area expressed confidence in their security personnel and, in a show of solidarity, took up arms in support of the action against militant networks.
Meanwhile, in the Havaid area of Bannu, police and local peace committees confronted terrorists, prompting the attackers to flee after a brief exchange. Additionally, in the Domail area, militants belonging to Fitnatul Khawarij opened fire on a police APC. Upon receiving the report, Bannu Police, CTD and security forces launched an eight-hour-long clearance operation, killing six militants and injuring several others. Notorious militant commander Rasool, also known as Commander Ariana, was among those killed, and weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, praised Bannu Region Police, the CTD and security forces for their successful operations and for dealing a decisive blow to terrorist networks. He said the soil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be cleansed of militancy and vowed to pursue terrorists to their hidden sanctuaries.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed reaffirmed that operations would continue until the elimination of the last remaining terrorist, ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property across the province.
