Security forces and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Domel Lal Chowk, Bannu. Two civilians were also martyred during the incident.
Officials said the militants opened fire on a CTD Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) as the operation began. In response, CTD personnel and district police immediately returned fire, killing two militants on the spot.
The remaining militants then took shelter in a nearby house and continued resisting. During the standoff, they brutally shot and killed two unarmed civilians.
As the situation escalated, CTD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, fresh police units, and additional security forces rushed to the area.
After nearly eight hours of intense crossfire, security forces successfully neutralised all militants. Authorities have launched further investigation into the incident.
During a post-operation search, authorities recovered the bodies of five militants.
Officials identified one of them as Rasool, also known as Commander Ariana, while efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the remaining militants.