Two TTP militants, including ringleader, killed in Bannu operation

ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed two Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants, including a key ringleader, during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district, according to the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was carried out on Monday and followed an intense exchange of fire. The military said the two militants belonged to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, a term it uses for the outlawed TTP and its splinter factions.

Those killed were identified as terrorist ringleader Waheedullah alias Muktiar and his associate, who the ISPR described as a would-be suicide bomber. Security forces also recovered a suicide jacket, weapons and ammunition during the operation.

According to the ISPR, Waheedullah was among the most wanted militants because of his involvement in multiple attacks on security personnel and civilians. The military said he had also served as the main handler of the suicide bomber involved in the February 21 attack in Bannu district in which Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz was martyred.

The ISPR said the latest operation avenged that attack and brought the main perpetrator to justice, adding that the timely action by troops prevented a major disaster. "Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area. A relentless counter terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam—as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan—will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism," the military's media wing said in a statement.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later praised the security forces for the successful operation in separate statements. Both leaders commended the troops’ professional competence and bravery, saying the killing of high-profile militants reflected exceptional skill and courage. "At a time when Pakistan is devoting all its efforts towards achieving regional and global peace, our enemies are trying to sabotage these initiatives through acts of terrorism. We will firmly defeat these anti-peace and anti-Islam conspiracies. The fight against terrorism, which is being fueled by external interference, will continue," he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government remained firmly committed to eliminating terrorism from the country.

Recent incidents in Bannu

The operation came a day after unidentified attackers shot dead two Federal Constabulary personnel in the Karam Garhi area of Bannu district while they were shopping in a local market. The assailants fled after the shooting.

In another incident on Saturday night, militants blew up the Shamozai police post within the limits of Township Police Station using explosive material. According to police officials, the post had been vacant and non-operational since 2022, so no casualties were reported.

The structure was completely destroyed in the blast. The attackers reportedly placed explosives beneath the building under the cover of darkness before detonating them. Law enforcement personnel reached the site soon afterwards, sealed off the area, began gathering evidence and launched a search operation to trace those responsible.