ISLAMABAD:
At least 16 terrorists, including two key commanders, were killed while two policemen were martyred during a joint operation carried out by Pakistan Army, police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday.
According to security sources, security forces, police and other law enforcement agencies continue intensive operations against militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarijterm used by the state for terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The operation was carried out in Miryan area of Bannu following intelligence reports about the presence of militants in the area.
Security sources said 16 terrorists were killed during the operation, including two top commanders identified as Zmari Noor and Afghan militant commander Abdullah Saeed.
Several hideouts of militants were also destroyed during the operation carried out jointly by the Pakistani army, police and CTD, the sources added.
Two police officers were martyred while carrying out their duties during the operation. The slain officers were identified as Constable Waheedullah Khan and Constable Noorullah Khan.
Funeral prayers were offered for the martyred police officers with official honors at Bannu police lines. The ceremony was attended by senior civil and military officials, local elders and a large number of residents.
Security forces and law enforcement agencies reiterated their determination to continue counter-terrorism operations and stated that actions against militants would persist until the last terrorist is eliminated.
Read: Eight terrorists killed in joint operation by CTD and police in Bannu, KP
On Saturday, eight terrorists were killed in a joint operation carried out by the CTD and police in Bannu. During the operation, Abdullah, described by authorities as a key commander of the outlawed Fitna al-Khawarij, was killed, authorities said. He was wanted in multiple cases, including attacks on police personnel and other serious crimes.
Days before the operation, a video purportedly showing Abdullah had circulated on social media, in which he could be seen issuing threats and challenging security institutions.
KP has been fighting terrorism since the US expulsion from Afghanistan, and terrorists often cross the border to attack police convoys and vehicles, resulting in the deaths of several officials and staff.
Pakistan’s Institute of Conflict and Security Studies, in a report, said 85 verified terrorist attacks were recorded in April, down from 146 in March, representing a 42% decline, while deaths from such attacks fell from 106 to 60, extending a downward trajectory that had begun the previous month.
The report attributed the improvement to Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign against terrorist groups and Taliban positions between February 26 and March 18, which later gave way to a suspension of hostilities and talks in Urumqi, China.
