Three security personnel, including an army major, embraced martyrdom in a shootout with militants in Bannu’s Bakka Khel area. Eight militants were also reported killed in the operation, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat militancy in Pakistan.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported a deadly encounter in the Bakka Khel area of Bannu. The clash occurred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) aimed at neutralizing suspected militants in the region.
Casualties Reported
- Martyrs:
- Major Atif Khalil (31) from Sudhanoti, Azad Jammu Kashmir
- Naik Azadullah (36) from Karak
- Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas (35) from Layyah
The ISPR confirmed that Major Khalil was leading his troops during the engagement when they came under fire.
Militants Engaged
The security forces successfully eliminated eight militants during the confrontation, while seven others were reported injured. Following the encounter, a sanitization operation is underway to ensure no remaining militants are in the area.
Related Operation in Zhob
In a separate operation in Zhob, security forces acted on a tip-off, leading to another confrontation in the Sambaza area. Here, one militant was killed, and another was captured after being injured. The forces also seized weapons and ammunition during this operation.
Ongoing Commitment to Security
The ISPR emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces are resolute in their commitment to eradicate the threat of militancy. Both operations underscore the continuing challenges faced by security personnel in their efforts to maintain stability in the region.
