PESHAWAR/BANNU: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday conducted a successful intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu, killing 15 militants and foiling what officials described as major terror plans.
“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against militants in the limits of Miryan Police Station. As many as 15 terrorists were killed and 15 others were injured. Also, two cops were martyred and five were injured in the day-long operation,” said an official.
According to the spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the operation was launched before dawn on the basis of intelligence. Joint teams of police and CTD personnel took part in the raid in a highly professional manner.
The official said a number of quadcopters, thermal imaging scopes, other gadgets and the latest technology were transferred to Bannu from other districts to improve the operational capabilities of the local police.
Officials said an intense exchange of fire took place between security personnel and militants during the operation, resulting in the killing of 15 terrorists, including Abdullah Afghani, while 15 others were reportedly injured.
During the operation, officials said, security forces also recovered a 10-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) near Azad Mandi on the Miranshah Road. The bomb was successfully defused in time. Initial reports suggested that the explosive device had been planted to target a road-opening duty scheduled for the day.
The officials said advanced drone surveillance and modern technology were used to monitor militant movement and possible hideouts during the operation. The area was completely cordoned off as the operation continued.
Two police officials embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire, they said, adding another five cops sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital for medical treatment.
The operation was directly supervised by the SP Rural Bannu, while two SDPOs and SP CTD were also present on the ground.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the courage, bravery, and professionalism of Bannu Police and CTD teams. He said the police force possessed the full capability to crush the nefarious designs of terrorists on every front. The IGP stated that operations against “Fitna al-Khawarij” and other anti-peace elements would continue with greater intensity, adding that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remained on the frontline for the protection of lives and property of the public and would respond forcefully to every attack by enemies of peace. Special rewards were also announced for officers and personnel who participated in the operation.
