In a coordinated joint operation between the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police forces, five suspected terrorists were killed in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The operation, conducted under intelligence-based planning, targeted a group of militants in the Gulbahar area near Hawed Police Station.

During the engagement, terrorists opened fire on CTD's SWAT team and local police personnel, prompting a retaliatory response that lasted approximately 40 minutes.

Following the exchange of fire, security forces launched a search and clearance operation, resulting in the deaths of five militants and the arrest of several others.The site was subsequently cordoned off by a large contingent of police to ensure thorough investigation and tracking of any remaining fugitives.Weapons seized included Kalashnikov rifles, hand grenades, and ammunition, which were confiscated for forensic analysis.Authorities also vowed legal action against the terrorists' facilitators and support networks.

This operation comes amid ongoing security challenges in Bannu, where recent attacks on police stations have intensified efforts to combat militant activity.