Pakistan: Five militants, 2 security personnel killed in suicide attack during Bannu operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Suicide attack hits security operation in Bannu (File)

Two security personnel were killed in a suicide attack during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in north-west Pakistan on Saturday, according to the military’s media wing.

The operation took place in the Bannu district, where security forces were acting on reports of the presence of militants, including a suspected suicide bomber. During the exchange, five khawarij belonging to Fitna al Khwarij were also killed.

Fitna al Khwarij is the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Officials said the security convoy came under attack while carrying out the operation. A vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading contingent, preventing what authorities described as a plan to target civilians and law enforcement personnel in Bannu city.

After an intense exchange of fire, five terrorists were killed by the security forces.

However, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group resulting in the death of commanding officer Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah, the media wing added.

(With inputs from PTI)