Security forces eliminated three more terrorists belonging to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Baka Khel area of Bannu district, as the ongoing targeted counterterrorism campaign continued across multiple parts of the district, according to security sources.
Sources said the operation was launched after security agencies received credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. Acting on the information, security forces carried out a targeted raid on a suspected hideout, triggering an exchange of fire in which three terrorists were neutralized.
Following the operation, security personnel launched a search and clearance exercise in the surrounding area to ensure that no remaining terrorist elements managed to escape. Officials said the targeted campaign against terrorist networks in Bannu remains underway.
The latest operation comes amid an intensified counterterror drive across the district, where security forces are conducting coordinated intelligence-led operations in Baka Khel, Jani Khel, Miryan, Sara Dargah and Wazir Sub-Division to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and prevent planned attacks.
The current campaign follows the foiling of a major vehicle-borne suicide attack targeting the Miryan Police Station on July 15. According to security sources, alert security personnel intercepted and destroyed an explosives-laden vehicle before it could reach the police station, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating attack.
During the attempted assault, four terrorists were eliminated, while follow-up operations led to the arrest of the facilitator identified as Abdul Rehman, son of Gul Muhammad. According to security sources, preliminary investigations indicated that the suicide attacker, identified as Rehmatullah, had allegedly crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan’s Paktika province after receiving militant training. Authorities are continuing to investigate the wider network allegedly involved in planning and facilitating the attack.
A day after the foiled suicide attack, security forces expanded intelligence-based operations across Narmi Khel, Baka Khel and Takhti Khel, where multiple explosions were reported during search operations. According to security sources, the explosions were believed to have resulted from the detonation of explosives and ammunition stored inside terrorist hideouts as forces cleared the affected areas.
The pressure on terrorist networks continued to mount with another successful operation jointly conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police in Bannu. During that intelligence-based operation, five Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists were eliminated after opening fire on the raiding party. Security personnel recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition from the site before launching a search operation to trace fleeing suspects.
The ongoing campaign received another major boost on Friday when the military’s media wing announced that security forces had eliminated 24 Fitna al-Khwarij terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations carried out across Bannu within a 24-hour period. The operations, based on actionable intelligence, targeted terrorist hideouts at multiple locations and were described as part of Pakistan’s continuing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the district.
With the latest intelligence-based operation in Baka Khel, the number of terrorists eliminated during successive operations in Bannu has continued to rise as security forces maintain sustained pressure on militant elements attempting to regroup in the district.
Meanwhile, targeted operations remain in progress across several operational areas, with additional troops and armored vehicles deployed to reinforce advancing formations following the clearance of Khani Khel and adjoining localities.
Security measures have also been strengthened throughout the district. Mobile phone and internet services remain temporarily suspended in operational areas to support security requirements, while residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement and immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Officials said intelligence-based and targeted operations will continue until all identified terrorist hideouts, facilitators and logistical networks operating in the district are dismantled, reaffirming the state’s resolve to eliminate terrorist threats and restore lasting peace across Bannu.
