Security Forces Eliminate Six Terrorists in Bannu IBO

In an intelligence-led operation (IBO) conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, security forces neutralized at least six terrorists and wounded four others, as stated by the military’s media wing on Friday.

A statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) indicated that “On the night of April 23/24, 2025, security forces executed an IBO in Bannu District following reports of Khwarij presence.”

During the operation, security forces effectively targeted the terrorists’ location. An intense exchange of gunfire resulted in the elimination of six militants.

A sanitization operation was then carried out to clear any remaining terrorists in the area. The statement emphasized the determination of Pakistan’s security forces to eradicate terrorism from the country.

Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has seen a significant surge in attacks, predominantly in KP and Balochistan. Islamabad asserts that hostile groups orchestrate these attacks from Afghan territory.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed a 42% increase in terror attacks in January 2025 compared to the preceding month.

The data further indicated at least 74 militant attacks occurred nationwide, causing 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 individuals were injured, comprising 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

KP was the most severely affected province, followed by Balochistan. Within KP’s settled districts, militants perpetrated 27 attacks, leading to 19 fatalities, which included 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

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