BANNU – Security forces, including the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), carried out multiple joint operations across the Bannu region on Thursday and Friday, resulting in the deaths of 17 militants and injuries to several others. Officials also confirmed the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and explosives during the raids.
Details of the Raids
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, said the operations targeted Sheri Khel, Pakka Pahar Khel, Nasar Khel, Haved Bannu, and Domail following credible intelligence on militant presence. Units from Lakki Police, CTD Bannu, and security forces, in coordination with local peace committees, executed the coordinated actions with exceptional precision.
According to IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, in Sheri Khel and Pahar Khel, 10 FAK militants were killed, five were injured, and one facilitator was arrested. FAK, short for Fitna al-Khwarij, is the state-designated term for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan. Seven bodies were recovered immediately, while difficult terrain delayed access to three others. In a separate eight-hour-long engagement in Domail, six hardcore terrorists were killed, several others wounded, and a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and communication devices was secured.
In Nasar Khel, a joint operation by Police, CTD, and local peace committees eliminated a high-profile terrorist, while in Haved Bannu, public cooperation forced TTP militants to flee, underscoring civic resistance against extremism. High-value TTP commanders Aryana, Niaz Ali (Akasha), and Abdullah (Shapunkoi) were also neutralized, delivering a strategic blow to the group’s leadership and operational planning.
Preventing a Major Tragedy
In a related development, police successfully defused a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) hidden in a cooking oil tin at Abshar Chowk. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan commended the Bomb Disposal Unit for acting swiftly, preventing significant destruction and potential civilian casualties.
Statement from Authorities
Commending the operations, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed emphasized that the province would be cleared of all militant threats.
“We will pursue militants even in their concealed hideouts. Operations will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
He said, underlining the ongoing commitment to regional security.
Officials noted that FAK’s repeated targeting of bridges, roads, schools, mosques, and civilians reflects their anti-development, anti-human, and anti-Islam agenda, which was decisively countered by state forces and local communities. The coordinated efforts of Police, CTD, LCB, SSG, and community committees ensured zero police casualties while dismantling multiple terrorist networks.
The operations also highlighted strong public support for security forces, with local communities actively participating in countering extremism, rejecting FAK’s ideology of fear and destruction, and helping secure public safety across the region.
