Bannu Operation: CTD, Police Kill Five Suspected Terrorists in Intelligence-Based Raid
Security forces eliminate five suspected militants during a joint operation in Bannu as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Security personnel secure the operation site after a joint counter-terrorism raid in Bannu.
Bannu Operation resulted in the deaths of five suspected terrorists after the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police carried out a joint intelligence-based operation in the Gulbahar area of Bannu district, officials said on Friday.
According to a CTD statement, security agencies launched the targeted operation after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of suspected militants in the area, which falls within the jurisdiction of Hawed Police Station.
The CTD said its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and local police executed the operation under a coordinated plan designed to restrict the suspects’ movement and prevent their escape.
During the raid, the suspects allegedly opened heavy fire on the security personnel, prompting the SWAT team and police officers to return fire in self-defence. The gun battle lasted for nearly 40 minutes before security forces secured the area.
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After the exchange of fire, security personnel launched a search and clearance operation. The operation resulted in the deaths of five suspected terrorists, while authorities arrested several other suspects. Police also deployed additional personnel to seal off the area and continue the search for suspects who managed to flee.
Investigators have started the identification process, criminal profiling, and forensic examination of the deceased suspects.
Security forces recovered five Kalashnikov rifles, 10 magazines, five bandoliers, two hand grenades, and a large quantity of ammunition from the site. Investigators have seized the weapons and ammunition for forensic analysis and further investigation.
The CTD said authorities will also pursue legal action against individuals who allegedly provided financial, logistical, or operational support to the militant network.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Additional Inspector General of the CTD praised the SWAT team and local police for successfully carrying out the operation.
The police chief reaffirmed the province’s commitment to continuing intelligence-based operations against militants, their facilitators, and support networks. He said security forces would continue pursuing terrorist groups and bringing those responsible to justice.
Bannu has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence in recent months. On Wednesday night, suspected terrorists attacked Miryan Police Station by attempting to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into the compound before launching an armed assault.
Police and security personnel repelled the attack, preventing the militants from entering the station. However, Police Officer Noor Jamal Khan later died from injuries he sustained during the incident. The attack also injured six security personnel and four civilians.
Authorities have increased intelligence-led operations across Bannu following repeated attacks on police officers, civilians, and community leaders.
On 26 June, security forces killed seven suspected terrorists during another operation in Baka Khel tehsil after acting on intelligence about a vehicle carrying weapons and explosives. Officials said the operation prevented a potential terrorist attack by destroying a cache of heavy weapons, including machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar shells.
