Militants had used camp as cover for multiple attacks on security forces, says DPO
Militants reportedly attacked a police vehicle near an Afghan refugee camp on Kohat Road in Bannu, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of the settlement.
The incident occurred when Deputy Superintendent of Police Mufeez Khan was traveling from the township to Domel. The attackers hiding near the camp opened fire on their vehicle in what police described as a planned ambush. Officers returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee.
Read: Five police officers injured as security forces repel terror attack in Bannu
The police vehicle suffered partial damage but no victims were reported. Police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to locate the suspects.
District police officer Yaser Afridi said the camp had been used by militants as cover for multiple attacks on security forces. He stated that the Afghan refugees had already been given time to return to Afghanistan, and a large number of families had returned, however, in view of security concerns and the militants’ repeated use of the camp as a shield, evacuation was ordered.
Read more: Security forces kill 15 militants in Bannu, DI Khan, North Waziristan
According to district administration officials, the camp housed 2,567 people. Of them, 1,700 had already returned to Afghanistan before Saturday’s incident. After the attack, another 120 people from 20 families were repatriated. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to demolish structures in the camp as part of the evacuation.
Police officials maintained that the law and order situation in the area remains under control and vowed to intensify action against militant elements while ensuring protection of lives and property.
