BANNU: The police and security forces claimed to have killed five militants and injured several others during a joint intelligence-based operation in parts of Domel tehsil in Bannu district here on Saturday.
According to police, the operation was launched following reports of the presence and suspicious movement of militants in Sadrawn, Akbar Ali Khan Kala and adjoining areas.
Sources said that police and security forces cordoned off the area, while drone technology was used to monitor the positions and movements of militants.
An exchange of fire took place between the security personnel and militants during the operation.
According to initial reports, five militants were killed and several others injured.
Five quadcopter attacks carried out against Bannu police post, police station
Police said the injured militants were taken away by their accomplices, who fled towards bushes and difficult-to-access areas.
Police and security forces expanded the search and clearance operation in the area to locate possible militant hideouts, temporary shelters and escape routes.
Security personnel are reportedly conducting search operations to eliminate any potential threat and prevent the militants from regrouping.
Police sources said the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence information, with the objective of eliminating the presence of militants in the area, targeting their suspected hideouts and ensuring the safety and security of locals.
According to officials, further details regarding the identities of the militants killed or injured, as well as any weapons or other material recovered during the operation, would be released after the operation was completed.
Police officials said that no effort would be spared to maintain law and order, protect the lives and property of citizens, and take effective action against militant elements in the area.
Authorities urged residents to immediately report any suspicious individuals, movements or unusual activities to law enforcement agencies to help prevent potential acts of terrorism and ensure timely action against security threats.
Meanwhile, five quadcopter attacks were reportedly carried out against a police checkpost and a police station in Bannu, with no casualties reported in the incidents.
According to police sources, an attempt was made to target the Kashu Pul police checkpost in Domel with a quadcopter drone.
Explosive-laden projectiles were dropped from the drone towards the police post.
However, the explosives landed outside the checkpost rather than inside the premises, causing no casualties or significant damage.
Sources said police personnel opened fire at the drone during the attack, forcing it to retreat. The prompt response by the police prevented the drone from carrying out any further attack.
Also, villagers in the Hathikhel area of Bannu district resisted a “militant attack” on Friday night.
The police provided the local community with necessary weapons and equipment at their request.
Mohammad Gul Khan Wazir of Ping Musakhel village said that militants attacked their area last night and continued firing for a considerable time.
He said he and other villagers offered stiff resistance and engaged the attackers.
“The militants continued their attacks in the morning using quadcopters,” he said.
The resident said in view of the situation, he contacted Bannu district police officer Mohammad Furqan Bilal and circle DSP and sought assistance, as the residents did not have adequate or heavy weapons to effectively confront the attackers.
He said that police authorities responded promptly and provided the residents with the necessary equipment and weapons.
Meanwhile, Bannu district police and the counter-terrorism department conducted a joint intelligence-based operation in Bazaar Ahmad Khan in the jurisdiction of Saddar police station and arrested two suspects.
According to police, the operation was conducted under the supervision of Bannu DPO.
During the operation, police claimed to have recovered four Kalashnikov rifles, 10 magazines, a bandolier, one drone, two laptops, five mobile phones, one surveillance device and one sharp-edged weapon from the suspects.
Police said arrested suspects were being grilled. They said the operation was meant to maintain law and order.
In a separate incident, the Ahmadzai police station was also targeted with a quadcopter drone.
According to sources, explosives were dropped towards the police station; however, no casualties were reported in the attack.
Police and security forces tightened security in the affected areas and began collecting information regarding the drones used in the attacks and those behind them.
Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026