Alleged militant commander killed in Bannu; attempt to destroy link bridge foiled

BANNU: An alleged militant commander and two people were killed in separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, while militants also attempted to blow up a key link bridge, local sources said on Saturday.

The Police Peace Committee said that Shahid, son of Mir Khatam and a resident of Wali Noor in Jani Khel, was killed near Kangar Bridge during an operation on Friday night.

The deceased was said to be a close associate and facilitator of militant commander Akhtar Muhammad and was allegedly involved in several terrorist activities.

In a separate incident, two bodies were recovered from Domel Link Road. The deceased were later identified as Ghazi Marjan and Parvez, residents of Wanda Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat district.

According to reports, the two men had allegedly been abducted and later killed by militants. Police launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, militants attempted to destroy the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road with explosives.

Local sources said the blast caused partial damage to the bridge and also affected a nearby mosque building. However, no casualties were reported.

Authorities initiated investigations into the incidents, while security measures across the area were further tightened.

Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

Last month, at least two police personnel and as many civilians were martyred, while 25 terrorists were killed in a fierce clash between law enforcers, a peace committee and militants.

On May 9, at least 15 police personnel were martyred after a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu.

Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces.