Pakistan’s security forces have killed a Taliban commander responsible for last week’s suicide bombing that martyred 15 policemen in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Sajjad Khan said intelligence-based operations launched after the Fateh Khel police post attack resulted in the elimination of five high-value militant targets within the past 24 hours.
Key Militants Eliminated in Targeted Action
Officials identified the killed militants as Hayatullah of the Zargul Group, Asad Yar, and Naimatullah, all directly involved in planning and executing the Fateh Khel attack. Senior commander Mansoor and another unidentified associate were also neutralized during the operation.
Security sources described the individuals as part of a network responsible for repeated attacks on law enforcement personnel in the region.
Operation Launched in Response to Deadly Attack
Authorities named the operation “Avenging the Police Martyrs”, launched in direct response to the killing of police personnel in the suicide bombing at the Fateh Khel police post.
Officials said the operation reflects an intensified crackdown on militant groups operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and those targeting security forces.
Militant Group Claimed Responsibility
The attack was previously claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur–linked group Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen, which has been active in carrying out assaults against security installations.
Security officials said counter-terror operations will continue as part of a broader effort to dismantle militant infrastructure and prevent further attacks on law enforcement agencies.
