PESHAWAR: Police in Bannu successfully thwarted a major terrorist plan on Friday after defusing several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted in areas falling under the Baka Khel and Kaki police stations.
According to officials, two powerful IEDs containing over 140 kilograms of explosives were discovered and safely neutralised in Baka Khel. Another explosive device weighing nearly eight kilograms was defused in the Kaki area.
Authorities said the explosives had been planted near a bridge along the Bannu–Miranshah Road and inside a local marketplace, creating a serious risk for civilians.
Police launched the operation early in the morning after receiving intelligence reports. Teams led by SDPOs and the DSP of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Bannu carried out the mission under the supervision of the District Police Officer (DPO). Personnel from district police, the Rapid Response Force (RRF), CTD Swat unit, and the Bomb Disposal Squad also participated.
During drone monitoring, security personnel spotted three suspects allegedly attempting to trigger the explosives remotely. The suspects opened fire on the police, prompting a brief exchange of gunfire. However, the attackers managed to flee into nearby bushes.
The Bomb Disposal Squad later safely dismantled the explosive devices, preventing what could have caused significant destruction and loss of life.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed appreciated the efforts of the Bannu police and announced a reward for the team involved in the successful operation. The DIG of Bannu Region also praised the intelligence-based operation.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident earlier this week, three unarmed brothers—who were government employees—were abducted from the Cantt Police Station jurisdiction in Bannu.
Police and local sources reported that the incident took place in the Sokari Hassan Khel area while the brothers were offering Isha and Taraweeh prayers at a mosque. Around 10 to 12 armed militants reportedly entered the mosque and forcibly abducted them during the prayers.
Authorities said the attackers disregarded the sanctity of the mosque and the presence of worshippers as they took the brothers away in a vehicle to an unknown destination.
Later, the bodies of two of the brothers were discovered along a roadside, showing signs of severe violence. The third brother is still missing.
The abducted individuals were identified as Saeed Akhtar, an operator at the Commissioner’s Office; Amjad Khan, a constable in the SDW Elite Force; and Hazratullah, a constable serving in the SDW Commissioner Squad.
