BANNU: Security forces killed at least 15 militants associated with Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Saturday.
Authorities said the militants were hiding in an abandoned house in the Domel area of the district that they had monitored for a month. Intelligence reports confirmed the presence of militants who were using the site to plan and launch attacks in nearby areas.
Officials said four to five additional militants entered the hideout on the day of the raid. Security forces launched the operation after confirming their presence. The forces carried out a targeted and effective operation and killed all 15 militants inside without inside the hideout causing damage to nearby structures, according to initial reports.
In a separate operation, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Bannu and the district police killed two most-wanted militants linked to Fitnatul Khawarij in the Mamakhel, Huwaid area.
A CTD spokesperson said intelligence indicated the suspects were planning a major attack. CTD SWAT teams and police moved in and came under fire. Security forces returned fire and killed both militants after a 30-minute gun battle.
Earlier this morning, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Cadet College Wana, where he was received by Inspector General Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa South, Major General Mehr Omar Khan.
During the visit, Naqvi met with the brave officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army who successfully foiled an extremist attack on the college and rescued all cadets and staff unharmed.
He also met the college students and faculty, commending their courage and spirit. Naqvi was briefed on the details of the extremist attack on the Wana Cadet College and the highly successful rescue operation carried out by the Army and Frontier Corps.
Praising the professionalism, bravery, and dedication of the troops, Naqvi said, “These attackers are not terrorists—they are beasts with no connection to humanity. No religion allows targeting children. Calling them humans insults humanity.”
He added that the Army and Frontier Corps acted promptly, safely evacuating all students and staff while demonstrating exceptional skill and valor. “The enemy aimed to repeat an APS-style tragedy. Our soldiers thwarted their plan, crushed the extremists, and foiled the conspiracy completely,” he said.
