In a major counterterrorism success, Pakistani security forces killed 16 militants, including two senior commanders, during a joint operation in Bannu district on Sunday, security sources confirmed.
The operation was conducted by the Pakistan Army, police, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Miryan area following intelligence reports about the presence of armed groups. Security forces stormed multiple militant hideouts, leading to intense clashes. Among those eliminated were Zamri Noor, a high-profile commander accused of orchestrating attacks and spreading instability, and Afghan national Abdullah Saeed.
Two police officers—Constables Waheedullah Khan and Noorullah Khan—were martyred during the operation. Their funeral prayers were held at Police Lines Bannu, attended by senior civil and military officials, tribal elders, and local residents who paid tribute to their sacrifice.
Security sources stated that the operation is part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate militancy from the region, which has seen a resurgence of attacks by Khawarij groups. The term refers to extremist factions that have been responsible for numerous attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months.
The success in Bannu follows a series of intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last month, security forces killed Toor Saqib, a most-wanted militant commander, in North Waziristan. According to reports from Reuters, Pakistan has intensified operations against militant hideouts near the Afghan border, where groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate.
The CTD has confirmed that multiple militant hideouts were destroyed and weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site. Officials said the operation would not be the last, as security forces remain committed to rooting out terrorism. Al Jazeera has reported that Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts have seen mixed results, but recent coordinated strikes indicate a renewed push.
Local residents expressed relief following the operation, with many hoping it will restore peace to areas long plagued by violence. However, analysts warn that the threat remains significant as long as cross-border sanctuaries exist.
Source: ARY News