BANNU: The police claimed here on Thursday to have foiled an attempt of terrorism through a timely operation.

Officials insisted that a tip-off revealed that a group of terrorists was advancing towards the city on Wednesday night to carry out a major attack.

They said a heavy police contingent, supported by armored vehicles, was immediately dispatched to the Chandmari area near Pirdilkhel within the jurisdiction of the Cantonment Police Station on the directives of district police officer Yasir Afridi.

The officials said police encountered terrorists in the area, leading to a fierce exchange of fire. Both small and heavy weapons were used during the clash. The attackers escaped through nearby orchards in the darkness, leaving behind their several motorcycles.

Meanwhile, armed men attacked a vehicle in the Azad Mandi area within the limits of the Cantonment Police Station, injuring contractor Javed Iqbal.

The attackers took the contractor’s companion, Farman, away.

Reports said Iqbal and Farman were traveling in a vehicle when unidentified men opened indiscriminate fire on them. Injured Iqbal was immediately shifted to a local hospital.

Police said they had launched investigations into both incidents and initiated search and combing operations in the area.

No group claimed responsibility for either incidents.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026