16 Terrorists Killed, Two Policemen Martyred in Ongoing Joint Operation in Bannu

A major counter-terrorism operation in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has resulted in the killing of at least 16 terrorists, including two key militant commanders, while two police officers were martyred during the ongoing action against militants, security sources said on Sunday.

The joint operation is being carried out by the Pakistan Army, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), police, and other law enforcement agencies in the Miryan area of Bannu after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the region.

According to security officials, the operation began a day earlier and has continued with intensive search and clearance activities. During the operation, security forces killed 16 terrorists, including wanted commanders Zamri Noor and Afghan militant commander Abdullah Saeed. Several militant hideouts were also destroyed as forces targeted terrorist networks operating in the area.

Authorities said modern surveillance systems, including drones and advanced monitoring technology, were used to track militant movements and support the operation. Security personnel also recovered a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED), which was successfully defused.

However, the operation came at a heavy cost. Two police officers, Constable Waheedullah Khan and Constable Noorullah Khan, embraced martyrdom while performing their duties during the mission. Funeral prayers for the fallen officers were held at Bannu Police Lines with full official honors. Senior civil and military officials, local elders, and residents attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the martyred policemen.

Security officials reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country, stating that operations against militant groups would continue until every terrorist threat is neutralized. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the bravery of police personnel and emphasized that security forces would continue to respond firmly to terrorist attacks.

The latest operation comes amid ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent years. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly expressed concerns about cross-border terrorism and the use of neighboring territories by militant groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

In a separate development, the military’s media wing reported that security forces killed 11 more terrorists during intelligence-based operations in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan over the last 48 hours. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities.

Pakistan has intensified counter-terrorism operations under its national security strategy as authorities continue efforts to improve law and order across the country. Officials say recent operations have significantly disrupted militant networks and reduced terrorist activities in several regions.

The Bannu operation remains ongoing, with security forces continuing search efforts to clear the area of any remaining militants and ensure the safety of local residents.