Bannu, April 29, 2026: At least six terrorists were killed early Wednesday after police successfully repelled a major attack on the Mazanga police post in Bannu, officials said.
According to police, heavily armed militants launched an assault on the checkpost in the early hours, but personnel responded swiftly, foiling the attack after an intense exchange of fire. One terrorist was killed on the spot, while the bodies of five others were reportedly taken away by their accomplices.
Following the incident, District Police Officer Yasir Afridi, along with Deputy Superintendent of Police Arshad Khan and teams from the Rapid Response Force and Quick Response Force, reached the scene. The area was cordoned off and a search operation was launched.
Police recovered a cache of weapons and equipment from the site, including magazines, hand grenades, and bandoliers.
During the exchange, a police constable sustained minor injuries and was shifted to hospital, where he was reported to be out of danger.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the Bannu Police for their effective response and announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for the personnel involved. Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan reaffirmed that the police would continue to stand like an “iron wall” against terrorism.
Bannu has witnessed a surge in militant activity in recent months, with both civilians and security forces increasingly targeted.
In a recent incident, five workers of the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) were abducted by unidentified armed men while working on a project in the area.
On Sunday, a police head constable and his five-year-old daughter were injured when gunmen opened fire near the Shahdev area. On the same day, the bomb disposal squad defused an improvised explosive device (IED) within the jurisdiction of Kakki police station, averting a major tragedy.
Earlier, on April 19, security forces killed a terrorist and an alleged suicide bomber during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the slain militant was the main handler of a suicide bomber involved in an earlier attack that resulted in the martyrdom of Lt Col Gul Faraz on February 21.
Authorities say targeted operations are ongoing to dismantle militant networks and restore stability in the region.
