BANNU: Four suspected terrorists were killed in Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Bannu’s Wazir subdivision on Thursday.

The number of suspected militants killed during the ongoing operation has risen to 48, according to security officials.

Five suspects were also arrested during a joint operation conducted in mountainous Talgai area of Wazir subdivision, officials said.

Police officials said the operation was carried out on the basis of credible intelligence under the supervision of District Police Officer Muhammad Furqan Bilal.

Personnel from Bannu police, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Rapid Response Force (RRF), and other law enforcement agencies took part in the operation. CTD SP Fazal Waheed Khan and SP Rural Asad Ali Shah also monitored the operation.

Officials said that two alleged terrorists’ hideouts were demolished during the operation, while five detained suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.

Police said they recovered two Kalashnikovs, one rifle, a large quantity of ammunition and other operational equipment from the suspected terrorists.

During the exchange of fire, Basiakhel Police Station SHO inspector Rashid Khan and constable Wajid Khan sustained minor injuries. Both officers were immediately shifted to a hospital, where police said they were in stable condition.

The DPO said that search and clearance operations were still underway in the area to ensure elimination of terrorists.

Meanwhile, internet services, which had been suspended in the city due to the operation, have been partially restored. Officials said mobile phone services were also expected to resume shortly.

Separately, local business community staged a protest outside the Bannu Press Club, demanding immediate restoration of mobile and internet services.

Member KP Bar Council Advocate Shah Hussain said that in view of the difficulties caused by the suspension of mobile phone and internet services, the lawyers of Bannu had passed a resolution demanding immediate restoration of the services.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026