Four militants killed, five suspects held in Bannu operation

BANNU: Four militants were killed and five suspects were arrested during a joint intelligence-based operation in the Telgai mountain range of Wazir tehsil, police said on Thursday.

The operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence reports and involved personnel from Bannu Police, the Counter Terrorism Department, the Rapid Response Force and other law enforcement agencies.

A police spokesperson said the militants opened fire on the advancing security personnel, leading to an exchange of fire that continued for nearly seven hours.

Four militants were killed during the operation, while five suspects were taken into custody and shifted to an undisclosed location for questioning. Police recovered the bodies of two militants from the area, while other members of the group allegedly took away the bodies of two of their associates while fleeing.

Two Kalashnikov rifles, another rifle, ammunition and other equipment were also recovered from the site, police said.

SHO Basia Khel Police Station Inspector Rashid Khan and Constable Wajid Khan sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire were taken to hospital and were reported to be out of danger. According to police, the operation was led by Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Farqan Bilal.

Search and clearance operations were continuing in the area, according to police.