Security Forces Eliminate Terrorists in Bannu IBO

During an intelligence-driven operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, security forces neutralized at least six terrorists and inflicted injuries on four others, as confirmed by the military’s media division on Friday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement indicating that “On the night of April 23/24, 2025, based on intelligence regarding the presence of militants, security forces executed an IBO in Bannu district.”

The statement further elaborated that security forces successfully engaged the location of the insurgents during the operation. Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, six militants were killed.

A sanitization operation was carried out to clear the area of any remaining terrorists. The statement emphasized the resolve 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 increase in attacks, predominantly in KP and Balochistan. Islamabad asserts that hostile elements are orchestrating attacks from Afghan territory.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates that terror attacks in January 2025 rose by 42% compared to the preceding month.

The data showed that 74 militant attacks occurred nationwide, leading to 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 individuals were wounded, comprising 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

KP was the most affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled areas, militants perpetrated 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, which included 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

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