Security forces carried out a targeted intelligence-based operation in Bannu, arresting militants linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the India-sponsored and Afghan Taliban-backed terror group officially designated by the state and as well as by the government of Pakistan as Fitna al-Khwarij, along with their facilitators, police and counterterrorism officials confirmed on Thursday.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu, Yasir Afridi, and led by SP City Tauheed Khan within the jurisdiction of Domel Police Station, particularly in the Khorgai area.
According to police sources, the action was launched in response to a recent sniper attack targeting Ahmedzai Police Station and the Kashu Bridge check post. The operation aimed to apprehend militants involved in the assault and dismantle their local support structure.
Police teams conducted extensive search and raid activities at multiple locations. Following thorough screening of suspects, five militants belonging to the Khawarij network, along with their facilitators, were taken into custody.
DPO Yasir Afridi stated that such actions would continue in a sustained manner to curb militancy, arrest terrorists, and ensure the protection of life and property in the district.
High-Value Commander Arrested
In a related intelligence-based operation forming part of the broader crackdown, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arrested a most-wanted militant commander identified as Usama from the Pepl Bazaar area of Bannu.
The suspect, a resident of Bannu district, was also known by the organizational aliases “Daniyal” and “Baghi.”
During initial interrogation, officials said, the accused revealed that after completing education up to FSc level, he joined the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and later became part of Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), a militant alliance formed in collaboration between TTP and allied factions.
Investigators say the commander confessed involvement in at least nine major terrorist activities.
These include:
December 2025: Armed attack on Assistant Commissioner Miranshah, Shaheed Shah Wali Khan, in Mill Adda, Bannu, resulting in his martyrdom along with two security guards, and torching of the official vehicle.
November 2025: Kidnapping and killing of former SHO Abid Wazir Shaheed near Nali Bridge.
October 2025: Abduction and murder of three Lakki Marwat Peace Committee members, Ataullah, Farmanullah, and Waliullah.
Kidnapping of two Frontier Corps personnel near Baran Dam.
June 2024: Killing of Polio Officer Malik Ishaq and his gunman.
Abduction of two police officials returning from polio duty in Pe0ple Bazaar and snatching of their weapons.
Officials further disclosed that the militant remained actively involved in reconnaissance of sensitive installations, photographing security personnel, espionage activities, kidnapping civilians on suspicion of spying, and setting up illegal checkpoints to harass the public.
Further investigation is underway, while raids are being conducted to apprehend his remaining accomplices.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Additional IG CTD commended the personnel involved in the successful operations, reiterating that targeted actions across the province, particularly in southern districts, would be intensified to eliminate Khawarij militants and ensure durable peace.
