LAKKI MARWAT: Eight terrorists were killed and another five arrested during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Bannu and North Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, according to the military’s media wing.

A statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said intense fire exchanges took place between troops and terrorists in Janikhel area of Bannu district, as a result of which six terrorists were killed and five were captured.

“These terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces, including facilitation of a motorcycle-borne suicide attack on a military convoy in Jani­khel on Aug 31, in which nine brave soldiers had embraced martyrdom,” the statement claimed.

The ISPR said that two militants were killed in a separate operation carried out in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan district, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists.

The sanitisation of the surrounding areas was being carried out to neutralise any other militant, the statement added.

“Locals of the area appreciated the operation. Security forces remain determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism.”

Official sources said IBOs were launched on credible information about the presence of terrorists in the region. They added that the exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists continued for several hours in Janikhel town.

The Bannu division comprising Lakki Marwat, Bannu and North Waziristan district in southern KP has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities since the outlawed TTP ended a ceasefire with the government in November last year.

Around three weeks ago, nine soldiers were martyred in a suicide attack on a military convoy in Janikhel town. A week later, a convoy of security forces narrowly escaped another suicide attack on Miramshah Road in Bannu.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023