Bannu: 24 ‘Khwarij’ terrorists killed in intense 24-hour security operations

BANNU: Security forces killed 24 khwarij terrorists belonging to Fitna Al Khwarij in Bannu district and adjoining areas during the last 24 hours, officials said.

The operations were launched near Gul Bahar Chowk, within the jurisdiction of the Haveed Police Station, after security personnel received intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.

Upon spotting the security forces, the terrorists opened fire, triggering an exchange of fire. According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the initial exchange of fire lasted for 40 minutes, while local police sources stated that clashes continued for hours as security forces engaged the remaining elements.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Furqan Bilal confirmed that no police or CTD personnel sustained injuries during the exchanges of fire.

Following the clashes, security forces recovered an arms cache from the site, including five Kalashnikov rifles, 10 magazines, five bandoliers, two hand grenades, and ammunition.

Officials are currently conducting the identification and criminal profiling of the terminated terrorists. Names will be made public once confirmation is complete.

Police units launched a search and clearance operation to track down the remaining elements who fled the area. DPO Bilal stated that the localized clearance operation concluded, while the broader investigation into the network continues.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed commended the CTD and local police teams for their coordination during the operation.

The provincial police chief stated that operations will continue against the facilitators and networks of Fitna Al Khwarij until the elimination of terrorism. He added that security forces will pursue the elements to their hideouts to ensure justice.