25 terrorists neutralised in Bannu operation

CTD operation in Quetta also takes down nine terrorists

MIRANSHAH/ QUETTA:

In a joint operation, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), security forces and members of local militias neutralized at least twenty-five terrorists including a commander belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Bannu.

A policeman and a volunteer were martyred, while five people including a child, sustained injuries during the operation.

The K-P police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), local peace committees, and security forces carried out the operation in the Barkzai Akhundkhel area of Bannu district's Miryan Tehsil after receiving intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists.

According to sources, the terrorists opened intense fire from multiple positions as soon as the operation began, triggering heavy clashes that continued for several hours.

Police and peace committee members put up strong resistance and effectively engaged the militants during the operation. During the exchange of fire, one police official and a retired Frontier Corps (FC) personnel as well as two citizen were also martyred.

Among the injured were a child and a station house officer (SHO), along with other people bringing the total number of injured to five.

According to Muhammad Nauman Khattak, spokesperson for the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI), the bodies of a retired FC personnel and a police official were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

Several injured police officers were also brought to the hospital. Some of the injured are in critical condition, he added. K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said Bannu police demonstrated bravery and professionalism, inflicting significant damage on a major militant network.

"The morale of K-P police remains high. Every sacrifice will be made to ensure peace in the province," he said in a statement.

Police sources said among those killed was the most-wanted commander Abdullah Afghani, who was involved in attacks on police and other serious terrorist cases. A video of Afghani had gone viral a few days earlier in which he was seen issuing threats to security institutions.

The operation was supervised by the SP Rural Bannu, two SDPOs, and the SP CTD.

Peace committees from Bannu and Lakki Marwat also actively participated in the raid. Sources said contingents of the Pakistan Army reached the area and, in coordination with police, continued search and clearance operations.

In a separate but related development, Bannu police successfully defused a 10-kilogramme remote-controlled bomb planted near Gul Zaman Mosque in the Mamash Khel area along the Bannu–Miranshah road, averting a major disaster.

Security forces later cordoned off the area and intensified search operations, while establishing strict checkpoints at all entry and exit points. The situation in the area remained tense, and fear and panic persisted among local residents, sources said.

 

Nine terrorists killed in Quetta operation

Separately, at least nine terrorists were eliminated during a fierce gun battle on the outskirts of Quetta. Four personnel of the CTD also laid down their lives during the fight.

The CTD and security forces carried out a high-stakes intelligence-based operation in the suburban localities of Kuchlak and Nohsar on Saturday.

During the operation, which involved an intense exchange of fire, the LEAs killed at least nine terrorists. However, four security officials were also martyred.

Several officials also sustained injuries during the shootout and are currently receiving specialized medical care in the provincial capital.

Later, Balochistan Chief Minister's Assistant for Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind said the successful raid demonstrated the professional capabilities and readiness of the LEAs.

Expressing profound grief over the losses, Rind paid rich tribute to the fallen personnel, emphasizing that they laid down their lives to protect public peace and that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

He said the provincial government has directed health authorities to ensure that the wounded personnel are provided with the best possible medical facilities for a swift recovery.

 

President hails LEAs

President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated the K-P and the CTD for carrying out a successful intelligence-based operation against terrorists in District Bannu. He also paid homage to the police official who embraced martyrdom while courageously fighting the terrorists.

"The sacrifices of our martyrs are a source of pride for the nation, and the country will always remember the services of its brave sons," the president added.