Four terrorists killed as police foil attack

Heavy weapons recovered; IGP praises personnel for bravery in night assault

BANNU:

Bannu police successfully thwarted a sudden armed assault by terrorists on the Kangar Bridge police check post late Friday night, killing four attackers in the ensuing gunfight and subsequent search operation.

A significant cache of weapons, including four Kalashnikov rifles, hand grenades, large quantities of ammunition, magazines and bandoliers, was recovered from the slain militants.

According to a police spokesman, heavily armed terrorists launched an abrupt attack on the strategically located check post under the cover of darkness. Personnel stationed at the post responded with immediate and determined fire, neutralising the threat and forcing the remaining attackers to flee the scene.

Reinforcements were swiftly mobilised. Teams from the Quick Response Force (QRF), Rapid Response Force (RRF) and additional personnel from Police Lines arrived promptly, cordoned off the surrounding area and launched a thorough search-and-clearance operation. During the sweep, the bodies of four terrorists were recovered.

Police said the recovered arsenal confirmed the attackers' intent to inflict heavy casualties. Identification of the deceased is under way, and further investigations are continuing to determine the group's affiliations and possible hideouts in the region.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed congratulated the Bannu police contingent for their professionalism. "Repelling a terrorist assault in the dead of night reflects the high level of training, professional competence, sense of duty and sheer bravery of our officers," the IGP said.

He reiterated that police operations against terrorism across the province remain intense and coordinated under a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating the threat and protecting citizens. "Safeguarding the lives and property of the public is, and will remain, the foremost priority of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police," he added.

The successful defence of the Kangar Bridge check post underscores the ongoing vigilance of security forces in Bannu district, a region that has faced repeated militant challenges in recent years. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to help maintain the security gains achieved so far.