Pakistan Security Forces Kill 17 TTP Militants in Major Bannu Ops

In a significant counter-terrorism effort, at least 17 militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed and several others injured during multiple operations in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials confirmed on Saturday. These operations targeted militant hideouts in the Sheri Khel and Pakka Pahar Khel areas of Bannu district, following confirmed intelligence about the presence of extremist groups in the region.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said a joint operation, led by Lakki Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Bannu, and other security forces, successfully neutralized 10 militants. Five militants were injured, and one facilitator was arrested. The bodies of seven militants were recovered, while three could not be retrieved immediately due to the region’s challenging mountainous terrain.

In a separate eight-hour operation, conducted simultaneously by Bannu Police, CTD, and security forces, seven more militants were killed and several others injured. Officials noted that all police and security personnel involved in the operations remained unharmed. Local residents of the affected areas reportedly provided full cooperation to security forces, aiding in the effectiveness of the operations.

Authorities recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives from the militants, significantly disrupting their operational capabilities. The seizure included firearms, ammunition, and materials used to create improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In a related incident, police successfully defused a 10-kg bomb planted inside a ghee tin at Aabshar Chowk in Bannu. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan stated that the Bomb Disposal Squad acted swiftly, preventing what could have been a major tragedy for local residents and passersby.

The recent operations are part of ongoing counter-terrorism measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that has historically been a hotspot for militant activity. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to rooting out extremist groups and maintaining peace and stability in the region. Security officials continue to monitor the area for any remaining threats, while community support has been highlighted as a crucial factor in ensuring the success of these missions.

These actions come amid heightened vigilance in Pakistan against extremist groups, with coordinated efforts between police, military, and counter-terrorism units aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing future attacks.