Security Forces Kill 17 Militants Including Key Commanders in Bannu Operations

Peshawar: Throughout the Bannu region, local police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), the Quick Response Force, and security forces conducted many effective operations that resulted in the deaths of 17 terrorists, including three important commanders, and numerous injuries. Locals gave the soldiers their full support, and all servicemen were kept safe throughout the operations.

In Nasar Khel, Lakki Police, CTD and members of the local peace committee carried out a joint action in which another wanted terrorist was killed. Locals expressed confidence in the security forces and stood with them against the militants. In the Hovid area, police and peace committee members also confronted terrorists, forcing them to flee.

In Domail, militants opened fire on a police APC, but officers held their ground until reinforcements arrived. Following this, Bannu Police, CTD and security forces launched an eight-hour-long operation in the area. Six more militants were killed and dozens were injured. The notorious commander Rasool alias Commander Ariana was among those killed, and more weapons and ammunition were recovered.

Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, praised the Bannu region police, CTD and security forces for their successful operations and for delivering decisive blows to militant networks. He said that the soil of KP would be cleansed of terrorism, that militants would be chased into their hidden safe havens, and that operations would continue until the last terrorist is eliminated to protect the lives and property of the people.

Officials said that a large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed militants, delivering a major blow to the local network of the outlawed Fitna-ul-Khawarij group.

The IGP urged that the eliminated terrorists were among the most wanted and had been involved in multiple attacks targeting law-enforcement personnel.