CTD Personnel Martyred in Bannu Terrorist Encounter

In a fierce exchange of fire in the Chashmai region of Spin Tangi, Bannu, three Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officers were killed, and two sustained injuries on Thursday.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas Kalachi, CTD units mounted a strong response, neutralizing two assailants while inflicting injuries on several others.

The DPO stated that the insurgents managed to carry away the dead and wounded accomplices as they fled the location. The fallen and injured CTD personnel were transported to a nearby medical facility.

A stockpile of armaments, hand grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and various other materials were seized from the terrorists during the operation. A substantial police force remains stationed in the area, and an active search is underway to apprehend any remaining suspects.

This recent confrontation occurs amidst a surge in militant activities throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Just a couple of days prior, three militants were taken down in an intelligence-led operation in Turbat, Balochistan.

Pakistan has seen an increase in acts of violence in recent months. January 2025 showed a 42% rise in militant assaults compared to the month before, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), with KP being the most severely impacted area.

Information indicates a minimum of 74 militant attacks were documented across the nation, leading to 91 total deaths, which included 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. An additional 117 individuals were wounded, including 53 members of the security forces, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

In KP’s established districts, insurgents initiated 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, comprising 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

The tribal areas of KP (formerly Fata) experienced 19 attacks, causing 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.

Balochistan also saw an escalation in militant activity, with a minimum of 24 attacks, which caused 26 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.

Law enforcement agencies have restated their resolve to eradicate terrorism and reinstate peace throughout the country.