Fierce clashes erupted between security forces and terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, leaving one civilian martyred and two others injured, while at least five terrorists were neutralized and several others wounded in retaliatory action by security forces, according to local sources.
Sources said the confrontation began in the Mambati area of Barkazai, within the jurisdiction of Miryan Police Station, after authorities received intelligence regarding the presence of armed terrorists. Police personnel immediately moved to the location and engaged the terrorists, triggering an intense exchange of fire.
According to sources, the terrorists were larger in number, but the police contingent on the ground put up a determined resistance, preventing the attackers from gaining any advantage and effectively pinning them down until reinforcements arrived.
The clashes were still ongoing at the time of filing this report, with additional police and security force personnel reaching the area to support the operation. Security officials are reportedly attempting to encircle the terrorists and block possible escape routes.
Sources further indicated that several terrorists were injured during the operation and that some were attempting to flee the area, allegedly leaving behind the bodies of their neutralized associates under mounting pressure from advancing security forces.
Security Pressure Mounts on Terrorist Network
The latest confrontation comes amid heightened counterterrorism operations across the region. Earlier, Bannu Police successfully defused a 10-kilogram remote-controlled IED near a mosque along the Bannu-Miranshah Road, thwarting what officials described as a major sabotage attempt.
Officials said security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorist threats and restoring peace in the district. A clearance operation is expected to continue until all terrorists in the area are accounted for, while investigations into the network’s activities and possible facilitators are also underway.
Casualty figures may change as the operation progresses and official assessments become available.
