Key militant commanders among 16 killed in Bannu joint operation

At least 16 militants, including two key commanders, were killed while two policemen were martyred during a joint operation carried out by the Pakistan Army, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bannu’s Miryan area. Sources revealed on Sunday that the operation began a day earlier after intelligence reports indicated the presence of terrorists in the area. During the ongoing crackdown, security forces killed another militant, raising the total number of dead militants to 16. The slain commander was identified as wanted militant Zamri Noor and Afghan commander Abdullah Saeed. Several militant hideouts were also demolished during the operation. Two police officers — Constable Waheedullah Khan and Constable Noorullah Khan — embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire with militants. Their funeral prayers were held at Police Lines Bannu, where senior military and civil officials, tribal elders and residents attended to pay their respects. The operation, launched on Saturday, also resulted in the recovery of a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED), which was later defused safely by bomb disposal personnel. Security officials said modern drones and advanced surveillance systems were employed to track militant activity during the raid. Authorities reaffirmed that joint operations by the Pakistan Army, police and other law enforcement agencies against Fitna al-Khawarij would continue until the complete elimination of terrorism from the region.