BANNU: Two terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with police in Domel area of Bannu district here on Monday. The police also recovered weapons and ammunition from the possession of the killed militants.

Officials said a police vehicle was on a routine patrol when terrorists ambushed it. The police retaliated and an exchange of fire continued for about 20 minutes. Additional enforcements, including an armoured personnel carrier, Quick Response Force and Rapid Response Force personnel, were immediately dispatched from the Police Lines Bannu to the scene.

During the search operation after the encounter, bodies of two terrorists were recovered.

Earlier, the security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in Bakakhel area, killing a key and active commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, security sources said.

TTP commander Ghafoor alias Ijaz was resident of Saidgai area of North Waziristan and was holding an important position within the banned organisation.

According to security sources, he was reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities. During the two-day operation, terrorists offered fierce resistance, but security forces successfully completed the mission.

During the ongoing operation in the Bakakhel, Takhtikhel area, two security personnel sustained injuries.

In a separate incident, terrorists once again attempted to blow up Khaisur Bridge early Monday morning in the jurisdiction of Miryan tehsil. The explosion caused partial damage to the bridge.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2026