5 terrorists killed in two CTD operations

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Five terrorists were killed in two intelligence-based operations in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, with senior police officials hailing the actions as part of a continuing crackdown on terrorism across the province.

According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, a targeted search and strike operation in the Pardal Begukhel area of Lakki district left three terrorists, identified as Muhammad Nazir alias Mujahid, Fawadullah alias Moaz and Afnan Khan alias Afnani.

Police said Nazir was involved in the killings of traffic constables and a CTD official, while the other two were wanted for attacks on security personnel. A Kalashnikov, two 9mm pistols, mobile phones and banned organisation cards were recovered.

In a separate action in Baka Khel, Bannu district, security forces acting on confirmed intelligence targeted a terrorist hideout. Officials said the suspects offered fierce resistance before both were killed.

Inspector General of K-P Police Zulfiqar Hameed commended the CTD and Lakki police, saying the province had become inhospitable terrain for terrorists and that operations would continue without pause until the last terrorist was eliminated and public security improved.

The operations come a day after police in Lakki and Bannu said unidentified gunmen killed four police personnel on duty in two separate attacks on Dera-Bannu Road in Lakki district and the Mandan area of Bannu.

The first incident took place on the Dera–Bannu Road in Lakki district when terrorists riding a motorcycle opened fire on traffic police officers performing routine duty. As a result of the ambush, Naurang Traffic Police In-charge Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot.

In a separate incident within the jurisdiction of Mandan Police Station in Bannu district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police personnel, martyring another constable.