BANNU: At least two members of the banned militant group Fitna Al Khwarij (FAH) were killed in a precision military operation in the Bannu district, security officials confirmed on Saturday. The strike specifically targeted the cell responsible for a brutal viral video that sparked nationwide outrage, in which a teenage girl was publicly beaten for dressing as a boy.
According to local sources and security officials, the operation was conducted in a militant hideout on the outskirts of Bannu. The intelligence-based raid targeted the perpetrators of the recent assault, which had circulated widely on social media, showing the minor being struck with a stick by a group of men.
While two FAH affiliates were confirmed dead in the exchange of fire, the fate of the man seen wielding the stick in the video remains uncertain. Sources identified the primary assailant by his alias, “Geedar.” Officials stated that his whereabouts are still unknown, and a manhunt is underway to track him down, as he is believed to have escaped the initial strike.
“Geedar is a high-value target for us. The individuals neutralized today were directly involved in the incident and other terrorist activities,” a security official speaking on condition of anonymity told . “The operation was precise, but the main perpetrator managed to flee. We will not rest until he is brought to justice.”
The incident involving the teenage girl drew widespread condemnation from human rights activists and politicians across the country. The girl was allegedly targeted for “un-Islamic” behavior after appearing in a video dressed in male attire
