PESHAWAR: A major terrorist attack on a police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district was foiled on Wednesday, with security forces killing three attackers and injuring nine others.

Terrorists launched a late-night assault on the Khonia Khel Police Post in the district’s Wazir sub-division with heavy weapons, intending to seize control of the facility.

A large number of attackers attempted to surround the police post, however, police personnel deployed at the installation were alert and responded to the threat promptly.

The effective response by the law enforcers forced the militants to retreat.

On the directives of RPO Bannu Sajjad Khan and DPO Bannu Yasir Afridi, additional police contingents, along with Quick Response Force (QRF) and Rapid Response Force (RRF) units, were immediately dispatched to the scene, compelling the militants to flee.

According to a press release issued by the police, three terrorists were killed and nine others were injured during the operation, dealing a significant blow to their network.

One of the slain militants was identified as terrorist commander Umar Azam alias Khizmeti, while another was identified as Shahidullah. The identification process of the third militant is underway.

During the exchange of fire, one police officer sustained minor injuries but is reported to be out of danger.

Police further stated that, in an apparent attempt to avenge the killing of their associates, militants also tried to attack Ahmadzai Police Station and Fateh Khel Police Post last night. However, both attempts were thwarted, and the attackers fled the scene.

RPO Bannu Sajjad Khan praised the bravery and professionalism of the police personnel and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for the officers involved.

He reiterated that operations against anti-state elements will continue without discrimination.

Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces in various localities to disrupt militant networks.