The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bannu said on Sunday it had thwarted a militant attack, adding that a detained commander of a banned outfit was killed in an exchange of fire, according to a press release.

The investigation team was transporting a “recently arrested, highly wanted terrorist commander, Osama alias Baghi”, to identify the site of the attack on Assistant Commissioner Miranshah Shah Wali Khan, when his accomplices opened indiscriminate fire on the convoy, attempting to release him, the release said.

“A fierce exchange of fire followed, during which Osama was killed by gunfire from his own associates,” it added.

The CTD team’s armoured personnel carrier (APC) was also hit, but no personnel were injured. The gun battle reportedly lasted around 40 minutes, it added.

It stated that the assault was aimed at freeing the detained commander during a crime-scene visit.

“In the retaliatory action by CTD’s Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) team, another terrorist was also killed. He was identified as Kamyab Khan alias Ikhlas Yar, a resident of North Waziristan.”

It added that the killed terrorist was wanted in multiple cases involving attacks on police and security forces.

“Weapons and explosives, including a Kalashnikov rifle with two magazines, two hand grenades, a card of the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a CNIC and a mobile phone, were recovered from the slain militant.”

The release continued: “Bloodstains were found at several locations, indicating that the fleeing terrorists took their injured accomplices with them. Search and strike operations are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.”

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hamid and the additional IGP CTD praised the professionalism of the officers involved and reiterated that indiscriminate action against terrorist elements would continue, particularly in the southern districts, to ensure lasting peace and order in the province, the release said.

On February 12, CTD announced the arrest of Osama alias Baghi from Bannu’s Pipal Bazaar area.

It said that he was an active commander of the newly formed organisation Ittehadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), established through a collaboration between the banned TTP and Gul Bahadur group.

During the interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in nine major terrorist activities, including the killing of AC Miranshah Shah Wali Khan and three others.