ISLAMABAD:
At least 16 terrorists, including two key commanders, were killed while two policemen were martyred during a joint operation by the Pakistan Army, Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Sunday.
According to security sources, security forces, police and other law enforcement agencies are continuing intensive operations against militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarija term used by the state for terrorists associated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The operation was carried out in the Miryan area of Bannu following intelligence reports about the presence of militants in the area.
Security sources said 16 terrorists were killed during the operation, including two key commanders identified as Zmari Noor and Afghan militant commander Abdullah Saeed.
Several militant hideouts were also destroyed during the operation conducted jointly by Pakistan Army, Police and CTD, the sources added.
Two policemen were martyred while performing their duties during the operation. The slain officers were identified as Constable Waheedullah Khan and Constable Noorullah Khan.
Funeral prayers for the martyred policemen were offered with official honors at Bannu police lines. Senior civil and military officials, local elders and a large number of residents attended the ceremony.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies reiterated their determination to continue counter-terrorism operations, declaring that efforts against militants would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist.
Read: Eight terrorists killed in joint operation by CTD, police in KP’s Bannu
On Saturday, eight terrorists were killed in a joint operation conducted by the CTD and the police in Bannu. During the operation, Abdullah – described by authorities as a key commander of the outlawed Fitna al-Khawarij – was killed, officials said. He was wanted in several cases, including assaulting police personnel and other serious offences.
Days before the operation, a video purportedly showing Abdullah was circulated on social media where he could be seen issuing threats and challenging security institutions.
KP has been fighting terrorism since the US’s ouster from Afghanistan, with terrorists often crossing the border to target police convoys and vehicles, resulting in the deaths of several officials and personnel.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies said in a report that 85 confirmed terrorist attacks were recorded in April, down from 146 in March, marking a 42% drop, while deaths from such attacks fell from 106 to 60, extending a downward trajectory that had begun the previous month.
The report attributed the improvement to Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign against terrorist groups and Taliban positions between February 26 and March 18, which later gave way to a suspension of hostilities and talks in Urumqi, China.
