Security forces have killed 24 terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bannu district and adjoining areas over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were launched following a recent surge in terrorist attacks targeting police and suicide bombings in Bannu.
The ISPR said the militants belonged to “Fitna-al-Khawarij”, the state’s term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and were involved in attacks against law enforcement agencies and civilians.
“Following fierce fire exchanges in Bannu district and adjoining areas, 24 khawarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna-al-Khawarij have been sent to hell,” the statement said.
The military said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities and the killing of civilians.
It added that operations against militant networks would continue under the counter-terrorism campaign Azm-i-Istehkam.
Separately, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police killed five terrorists in a joint operation in Bannu’s Gulbahar area.
The CTD said the operation was conducted after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants.
During the operation, terrorists opened fire on security personnel, triggering a 40-minute exchange of fire. Five militants were killed, while several others were arrested. Authorities also recovered five Kalashnikovs, magazines, hand grenades and large quantities of ammunition.
It merits a mention that Bannu has witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent months.
On Wednesday night, a police official was killed and 10 others were injured after terrorists attempted to attack Miryan Police Station with an explosives-laden vehicle.
Security forces have also carried out several operations in the district, including one on June 26 in which seven terrorists were killed.
