Bannu, May 23, 2026: Eight terrorists were killed and several others injured while a police official embraced martyrdom during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by police and the Counter Terrorism Department in Bannu, according to the Central Police Office (CPO).
The operation was carried out within the jurisdiction of Thana Miryan in Bannu. During the raid, security personnel also recovered a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED), which was later safely defused.
According to the CPO, one police official was martyred while another sustained injuries and was shifted to hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities said the operation began early in the morning, with modern drones and advanced surveillance technology used to monitor militant movement during the raid.
The latest operation comes days after Pakistani security forces killed 23 India-sponsored terrorists, including a ring leader, during multiple intelligence-based operations in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that security forces conducted a series of IBOs in Datta Khel, Spinwam, and Bannu, killing 23 militants belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij, including ring leader Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and terrorists would continue without interruption.
He stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remained on the front line for the protection of public life and property, adding that every attack by hostile elements would receive a decisive response.
Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. However, Pakistani authorities maintain that the Afghan Taliban administration has failed to take effective action against terrorist organisations involved in attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in February this year, months after both countries agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025 following border clashes triggered by alleged unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces at multiple crossing points.
Despite several rounds of talks, the two countries have yet to reach a lasting agreement, amid continued concerns over militant sanctuaries operating from Afghan soil.
