Security forces neutralise five terrorists in Bannu, seven others wounded

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Security forces killed five militants and injured seven others during a joint operation in Bannu, officials confirmed on Thursday, while a separate attack on a government check-post under construction in South Waziristan left two labourers injured and four abducted.

According to Bannu DIG Sajjad Khan, the operation was conducted in Akbar Ali Khan Village in the Asparka area of Domel, targeting militants linked to Fitna Al-Khawarij, a term used for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan insurgents.

The operation, carried out jointly by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police, successfully neutralised five terrorists, with seven more wounded. A search continues for militants who escaped the area.

“Domel and surrounding areas are mountainous and lie along North Waziristan Road. The terrorists will be brought to justice, and law and order will be maintained at all costs,” DIG Sajjad Khan said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the swift action, noting the joint operation thwarted the militants’ plans. “With the support of the nation, security forces are continuing efforts to completely eliminate terrorists linked to Fitna Al-Khawarij,” he said.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the professional capabilities of police and security personnel, affirming that militants would not be allowed to hide.

In a separate incident in South Waziristan’s Makin area, unknown armed assailants attacked a government check-post under construction. Police reported that two labourers were injured and four were abducted. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition was stable.

A search operation is ongoing to recover the abducted workers, with security reinforced in Makin Bazaar and surrounding areas. Authorities confirmed all victims were residents of Dera Ismail Khan.

The region has witnessed persistent militant activity in recent years. Last month, three police officers were killed in a bomb attack on a police vehicle. In November, six policemen including trainees and a civilian were killed, while 12 others were injured during an attack on the Police Training School, one of the deadliest incidents in recent years.

Dera Ismail Khan, situated at the junction of Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has recorded 111 militant attacks since 2020, resulting in 71 police fatalities and 100 injuries.

Nationwide, violence rose by over 25 per cent last year, with 3,187 deaths and 1,981 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and criminals, according to the Centre for Research and Security Studies.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, being the worst hit region, accounted for nearly 68 per cent of fatalities and over 62 per cent of all incidents. Security operation deaths in the province stood at 1,370, exceeding militant attack casualties, reflecting the scale of counterterrorism efforts underway.