Two Pakistan Army personnel were martyred while five militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district after a security forces convoy was targeted in a suicide attack, according to an official statement released on February 21.
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Security forces launched the operation following reports about the presence of militants, including a suicide bomber, in the area. Officials said a vehicle-borne suicide attacker was intercepted by the leading security group, preventing a major attack aimed at civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city.
During the operation, militants were located and an intense exchange of fire took place, resulting in the killing of five attackers. However, one militant rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security forces vehicle, causing heavy casualties.
Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz, 43, a commanding officer from Mansehra district who was leading troops from the front, embraced martyrdom in the attack along with Sepoy Karamat Shah, 28, a resident of Peshawar district.
The statement alleged that militants were operating from Afghan territory and condemned the continuation of terrorist activities during the holy month of Ramadan. Authorities said counterterrorism operations would continue under the national campaign “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the federal apex committee under the National Action Plan.
Security officials reiterated that operations against militant groups would proceed without restraint to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism and ensure national security, adding that the sacrifices of security personnel reinforce the country’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
