CTD Operation in Bannu Neutralizes Three Suspected Militants

In a recent counter-terrorism operation conducted late at night in Bannu, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police reported the elimination of three suspected militants, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.

A CTD spokesperson stated that the deceased individuals were linked to the outlawed Gul Bahadur and Zarar groups. The identified militants were Mudassir, Turab, and Mohammad Hussain, all hailing from Bannu. According to the spokesperson, they were wanted by law enforcement for involvement in terrorist activities.

Following the successful operation, the CTD recovered a cache of explosives, automatic weapons, including a Kalashnikov rifle and a pistol, in addition to a motorcycle believed to be used by the suspects.

This CTD operation occurred approximately ten days after a similar event in Lakki Marwat, where three militants associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were also killed in a night-time raid.

Authorities stated that after the Lakki Marwat operation in the Sarai Naurang area, near the Bhutani Canal, four hand grenades, several Kalashnikov rifles, numerous rounds of ammunition, and two mobile phones were confiscated. These militants were reportedly wanted for multiple attacks targeting police and other law enforcement officers.

Pakistan experienced a minor increase in militant activities during May 2025. Despite heightened military tensions with neighboring India, there was no significant surge in extremist violence.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in Islamabad indicates a 5% rise in attacks compared to April. However, the overall situation suggests that militant groups largely remained contained, despite the prevailing regional geopolitical climate.

PICSS’s monthly security assessment reported 85 militant attacks in May, a slight increase from 81 in April. These attacks resulted in 113 deaths, including 52 security personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. Additionally, 182 individuals were injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.

While the total number of attacks only saw a marginal rise, further examination of the data reveals some concerning trends. Fatalities among security personnel increased by 73%, underscoring the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan’s armed forces. Civilian injuries also rose significantly by 145%, from 53 in April to 130 in May, highlighting the growing impact on the general public. Conversely, injuries to security personnel decreased by 20%, from 59 to 47.

In operations conducted by security forces during May, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel died.

Combining both militant attacks and security operations, the total casualty count for May reached 172, including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members.

Balochistan and KP remained the most affected regions, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide. Balochistan experienced the highest levels of violence, reporting 35 militant attacks that resulted in 51 fatalities — including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three militants — and 100 injuries (94 civilians, five security personnel, and one militant).