PESHAWAR: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bannu, in coordination with local police, successfully conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO), killing two terrorists, officials said on Sunday. The operation took place near Shagi Machankhel, within the jurisdiction of Mirakhel Police Station on Jhandokhel Road.
Read More: Two most-wanted target killers killed in Bannu CTD operation
Acting on credible intelligence, CTD Bannu’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, along with Bannu Police, cordoned off the area and launched the operation. During the encounter, the terrorists opened fire, prompting retaliatory action by the security forces. Following an exchange of fire, both terrorists were killed and later identified as Suhail Khan alias Sangri and Ismail alias Usman.
Police confirmed that the slain militants were involved in multiple attacks, including assaults on Sheikh Landik and Fateh Khel police check posts that left eight constables injured. They were also linked to attacks on security forces’ convoys and an IED blast at the under-construction Rescue 1122 building.
Recovered from the terrorists were two Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, ammunition, a motorcycle, two mobile phones, two national identity cards, and a card associated with the proscribed TTP. Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, along with Additional IG CTD, praised the Bannu Police and CTD SWAT teams for their prompt action.
IGP Hameed emphasized that intelligence-based targeted operations would continue across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until terrorism is completely eradicated. In a separate incident, militants attacked the Nala Kasho police checkpost with light and heavy weapons, but the assault was foiled after quick response from local police contingents.
Read More: Pakistani Forces Kill 22 India-Backed Militants in Bannu Operation
Despite significant counter-terrorism gains, Pakistan experienced a surge in militant violence in 2025, with attacks rising by 34 percent and terrorism-related fatalities increasing by 21 percent, according to the Pakistan Security Report 2025.