In a major development, Pakistani security forces have successfully gunned down the terrorists holding hostages inside the Counter-Terrorism Department’s (CTD) compound in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the details, six terrorists were killed by security forces in the clean-up operation and security forces are now combing the Bannu area to search for and neutralize any more terror threats still hiding out there.
Read more: CTD captures most wanted BLA terrorist in Sukkur
Security forces on Tuesday had launched a clean-up operation to rescue hostages taken by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants three days after the latter besieged a CTD center in Bannu.
Congratulations to our SSG ZARRAR for completing the operation Banuu successfully. We are proud of you 🇵🇰
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) December 20, 2022
During the clearance operation, a gunbattle raged on inside the CTD compound. Columns of smoke were seen rising from the compound. The hospitals have been put on high alert and mobile services have also been blocked in the area.
Pakistani security forces have gunned down all militants in an operation aimed at freeing hostages in the #Bannu.Terrorists,who have taken control of the CTD center , have been eliminated.The operation was conducted by the SSG commandos & all hostages were reportedly recovered pic.twitter.com/pR801Zk6bP
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) December 20, 2022
Late Sunday, the militants held in the CTD center took control of the building and took a number of law enforcers hostage. A policeman was martyred in the gun battle. The terrorists demanded a safe air route to Afghanistan.
To end the standoff, the government of Pakistan started talks with the leadership of TTP in Afghanistan. The militants inside the seized CTD center also released several videos on Monday, asking the people of Bannu, especially the ulema, to come forward and resolve the standoff between the militants and law enforcers through dialogue.
The TTP has ended its ceasefire with Pakistan and continues to launch attacks. There has been an increase in threats and attacks on security forces as well as high-profile political personalities.
At least 118 terrorist incidents were reported in KP from mid-August till the last week of November, according to official numbers. A dozen districts, including Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Kohat, Bannu, and Nowshera came under attack in November.
The police are on high alert across the province after the recent spike in attacks in areas including Peshawar, southern districts, and the Mardan region.
Read more: US offers help to Pakistan in dealing with TTP threat & India