A major counterterrorism operation was carried out in the Barakzai Akhundkhel area of Tehsil Miryan, District Bannu, where security forces engaged in an intense exchange of fire with heavily armed Khawarij. According to police officials, at least 25 Khawarij were killed during the operation, while several others sustained injuries.
The operation, led by Bannu Police with support from the Lakki Marwat Police Peace Committee, was initiated following credible intelligence reports regarding the presence of a large number of Khawarij in the area. Acting swiftly on the information, police contingents moved into the locality to neutralize the threat and restore security.
District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu, Yasir Afridi, confirmed that more than 25 Khawarij were eliminated during the successful operation. He further stated that despite facing heavy resistance and continuous gunfire, police personnel demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism throughout the encounter.
According to police sources, the Khawarij had erected barricades and blockades at various locations to hinder the movement of security forces. However, police teams successfully overcame these obstacles under intense fire and managed to secure access to the police station and surrounding strategic points. Additional reinforcements were later deployed to maintain control of the situation and continue clearance operations.
Authorities confirmed that two key Khawarij commanders, identified as Zamri Noor and Abdullah, were among those killed during the operation. Security officials believe the elimination of these commanders represents a significant setback to terrorist networks operating in the region.
The fierce exchange of fire resulted in the martyrdom of two police personnel and two civilians, while several others were injured.
The martyred police officials were identified as:
- Waheed Khan, son of Shah Baraz, resident of Naib Kaki
- Noorullah, son of Zarif, resident of Bakakhel
The injured police personnel include:
- Waheedullah, son of Ubaidullah, resident of Dheri Gandi Bazaar Ahmad Khan
- Shah Bakhtiyar, son of Sardar Khan, resident of Hathikhel
- Sajjadullah, son of Sakhi Zaman, resident of Nar Bostan
- SHO Naurang, Ismatullah Niazi
- Zohaib Khan, son of Dilbaz, resident of Nekam Kaki
- Atif, son of Waliullah, resident of Sokari Karim Khan
- Nauman Qureshi, resident of Naurang
During the crossfire, two civilians also embraced martyrdom. They were identified as:
- Retired FC official Raib Khan, son of Zargul, resident of Sardi Khel
- Nasir Khan, son of Baghdad Khan, resident of Akhundkhel Kotka Nazar Shah
The injured civilians were identified as:
- Mohsin, son of Inayatullah, resident of Akhund Noorar
- Bakht Ali, son of Sakhi Sarwar, resident of Khani Khel
- Safiullah, son of Ismatullah
Local sources reported that a significant number of Khawarij may still be present in the Barakzai area, resulting in continued tension and intermittent firing in and around the locality. Security forces remain on high alert, and further operations are expected to continue until complete peace is restored.
In a separate but significant development, Bannu Police successfully foiled a major act of terrorism by defusing a 10-kilogram remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) planted near Gul Zaman Mosque in the Mamash Khel area along the Bannu–Miranshah Road.
The Bomb Disposal Squad responded promptly and safely neutralized the explosive material, preventing what officials described as a potentially catastrophic incident.
Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. They praised the bravery and sacrifices of the police personnel and civilians who stood firm against anti-state elements.
Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and immediately report any suspicious activity to help maintain peace and stability in the region
