Security forces repelled a late-night militant assault in Bannu after intense gunfire, leaving one attacker dead and several injured amid an ongoing search operation.
A late-night militant assault on a police post in Pakistan’s northwestern Bannu district escalated into a heavy exchange of fire, leaving one attacker dead and four others injured, police confirmed on Wednesday.
The attack struck the Mazanga police post around 1 a.m., a time when the area was largely quiet, but quickly turned into a prolonged gunbattle that lasted until early morning. Bannu, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, has been witnessing a renewed wave of militant violence targeting security installations.
According to Amir Khan, media officer for the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Bannu, armed assailants attempted to overrun the post but were met with swift resistance. “One terrorist was killed and four others were injured,” he said, adding that the attackers eventually retreated under pressure from police fire.
One police officer, identified as Faridullah Khan, sustained minor injuries during the exchange and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials said his condition was stable.
Following the attack, militants managed to flee the scene, prompting security forces to launch a large-scale search operation in surrounding areas. Reinforcements from the District Police Office, including Rapid Response Force and Quick Response Force units led by DPO Yasir Afridi, were deployed shortly after the incident.
Authorities also recovered weapons and military-style equipment from the site, including magazines, hand grenades, a bandolier, and a ladder, indicating a coordinated assault plan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed praised the officers for their quick response and resilience under fire. He announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for personnel involved in repelling the attack, describing their actions as a demonstration of operational readiness.
Security officials say the region remains on high alert as search and clearance operations continue, with efforts underway to track down the fleeing militants.
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