Forces kill terrorists' ringleader in Bannu

Security forces killed two Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists including a ringleader during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district on Monday. The operation took place a day after unknown terrorists killed two Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel in the Karam Garhi area of the district. According to the military's media wing—the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)—forces neutralized the terrorists "belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij"—a term used to refer to the outlawed TTP and its splinter groups—after an intense exchange of fire. Those killed were terrorist ringleader Waheedullah alias Muktiar and his companion—a would-be suicide bomber. During the operation, forces also seized a suicide jacket, weapons and ammunition from the terrorists. Waheedullah was among the most wanted terrorists for his active involvement in numerous activities including attacks on security forces personnel and innocent civilians. He was also the main handler of a suicide bomber who carried out an attack in Bannu district on February 21, resulting in the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Gul Faraz. According to the ISPR, through the operation, the forces avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrator to justice. Timely action of security forces also averted a major catastrophe. "Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area. "A relentless counter terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam—as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan—will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism," it said. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later paid tribute to the security forces for carrying out the successful IBO. The president and prime minister, in their separate statements, praised the professional competence and bravery of the security forces, saying the elimination of the high-profile terrorists demonstrated their exceptional skill and courage. "At a time when Pakistan is devoting all its efforts towards achieving regional and global peace, our enemies are trying to sabotage these initiatives through acts of terrorism," Zardari said. "We will firmly defeat these anti-peace and anti-Islam conspiracies. The fight against terrorism, which is being fueled by external interference, will continue," he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed to completely eradicating the scourge of terrorism from the country. A day earlier, two FC personnel were killed in Bannu while shopping in a local market. The assailants had fled the scene after the shooting. In a separate incident on Saturday night, terrorists destroyed the Shamozai police post using explosive material within the Township Police Station limits. According to sources, the intense blast completely demolished the structure. Police officials said the post had been non-functional and vacant since 2022, resulting in no casualties. The attackers reportedly planted explosives beneath the structure under the cover of darkness before detonating them. Law enforcement agencies reached the site soon after the explosion, cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. A search operation has also been launched to trace those responsible.