One terrorist killed, eight suspects held as security forces intensify Bannu operation

• Third-day intelligence-based operation targets militant networks in Grera Shah Jahan with police, CTD and army participation

• Terrorist killed while planting IED; weapons recovered as eight suspects taken into custody for investigation

• Security forces vow to sustain joint operations to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace in the region

 BANNU: One terrorist was killed and eight suspected militants were taken into custody on Sunday as security forces continued a large-scale intelligence-based operation (IBO) for the third consecutive day in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district, intensifying efforts to dismantle militant networks following a recent surge in terrorist attacks in the region, police said.

The operation, led by Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Capt (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal, was jointly carried out by the district police, the Elite Force, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Pakistan Army in the village of Grera Shah Jahan.

During the operation, the army cordoned off the area and established blocking positions at key locations to prevent the escape of suspected militants.

According to a statement issued by the DPO's office, one terrorist was killed while attempting to plant an improvised explosive device (IED). Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle, several magazines and a bandolier from his possession.

Police said eight suspected individuals were also detained during the operation and handed over to the CTD and district police for a joint technical investigation.

Search operations further led to the recovery of two Honda CD-125 motorcycles and a rickshaw from the residence of wanted terrorist Zargul alias "Uncle."

Bannu police said joint operations with law enforcement and security agencies would continue until terrorism was eradicated, law and order restored and the lives and property of citizens fully protected.

According to the statement, police officials commended the DPO's leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the public.

Bannu Police also reaffirmed their resolve to continue intelligence-based operations in close coordination with law enforcement and security agencies to eliminate terrorist threats and maintain lasting peace in the district.

Sunday's operation comes two days after the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced that security forces had killed 24 terrorists in Bannu district and adjoining areas during operations conducted over the previous 24 hours.

The ISPR had noted a recent surge in terrorist attacks, including assaults on police personnel and suicide bombings in Bannu.

"Security forces have initiated extensive joint intelligence-based operations to hunt the perpetrators of these heinous attacks and their support infrastructure," the ISPR had said.

The military's media wing identified the "Indian proxy Fitna-al-Khawarij"—the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—as being behind the attacks.

Bannu has witnessed repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and security personnel coming under attack amid a broader rise in militant violence.

In the latest major incident, a police official was martyred while six security personnel and four civilians were injured after terrorists attacked a police station in Bannu on Wednesday night.

According to police, the attackers attempted to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into Miryan Police Station, triggering a powerful blast that was followed by a prolonged exchange of fire between the terrorists and police personnel.

The terrorists then attempted to storm the police station, but police and security forces responded swiftly and successfully foiled the assault.

The recent wave of terrorism in Bannu, including attacks targeting police personnel and jirga members, has prompted security forces to intensify targeted intelligence-based operations across the district to dismantle militant networks and their support infrastructure.