Three killed as IED goes off during Eid prayers in Mohmand Agency

TTP facilitator among several militants killed in Bannu operation

SHABQADAR/BANNU: At least three people were killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Mohmand Agency on Friday – the day when officials claimed that several militants were eliminated in Frontier Region Bannu.

An improvised explosive device (IED) went off near Shatimena area of Ambar Tehsil when local tribesmen were returning home after offering Eidul Azha prayers, officials of the political administration said.

“A man and his son are among the fatalities,” one official said. “Two men who sustained injuries have been shifted to the agency headquarters hospital in neighbouring Bajaur Agency.”

The deceased were identified as Shad Ali, Maaz and Faqeer Husain. Law enforcers cordoned off the area and mounted a manhunt for the culprits.

Separately, several ‘militants’, including a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan facilitator, were killed in a joint operation in Jani Khel area of FR Bannu.

According to details, the security forces, acting on a tip-off about the presence of a TTP facilitator in Jani Khel, raided a premises on Friday morning and killed him.

Police later identified him as Farooq Khan, alias Dr Maddani, resident of FR Lakki. He was wanted to police in several cases of heinous nature.

Security forces also conducted search operations in FR Lakki which is adjacent to FR Bannu.