Two Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department in coordination with the district police in Bannu, officials said on Tuesday. According to the CTD, security teams moved in after receiving credible information about the presence of militants allegedly associated with the banned outfit.
Authorities said the suspects were linked to Fitna al-Khawarij – a term used by the state for terrorists linked to the outlawed TTP – and were believed to be planning a major attack in the area. Police officials said CTD SWAT teams and Bannu police were met with gunfire as they approached the targeted hideout. A brief but intense exchange of fire lasted more than half an hour.
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Two terrorists were killed, while two others managed to escape under the cover of darkness. A manhunt is underway to apprehend the remaining suspects. The terrorists were identified as Fazlullah and Safeer Rehman.
Officials said Fazlullah was involved in the attack and abduction of Constable Javed, the killings of Constables Nasrullah and Hayatullah and an assault on Sheikh Lundak police. Safeer Rehman was wanted in the killing of Constable Zubair and attacks on police posts in Fatah Khel and Kheraaki Mamkhel, leaving constables Isar Khan and Ajmal Khan injured.
Authorities said weapons and materials were recovered from the scene, including a Kalashnikov rifle with two magazines, a 9 mm pistol with one magazine, two hand grenades, cellphones and an identification card attached to the prohibited clothing.
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The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police and Additional IG CTD praised the personnel involved and praised their “professionalism, bravery and timely action” to prevent a potential large-scale terrorist incident.
In a separate incident in Dera Ismail Khan, the body of SHO Abid was recovered from Nala Pul Dawood within the limits of Cantt police station. He was abducted two days earlier. Police said unknown assailants were responsible for the killing while further investigation is underway.
