Two FC personnel martyred in Bannu firing

Two Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel were martyred after unidentified motorcycle-riding terrorists opened fire on them in the Karam Garhi area of Bannu, police and security sources said on Sunday. The incident occurred within the limits of the Cantonment Police Station. According to police sources, the FC personnel were shopping in a local market when attackers suddenly opened fire on them. The assailants fled the scene after the shooting. FC sources identified the martyred personnel as Havaldar Rokh Niaz and Sepoy Rehmanullah, who were posted in the Daryoba platoon. Following the incident, the FC and other security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Security personnel carried out strict checking at various points, including snap checking, to track down the attackers. Aerial firing was also reported in the area. Later, additional police contingents were deployed at the site. Officials said they were utilizing all available resources to apprehend those involved. 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. Meanwhile, a Qaumi Jirga has announced a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on April 20 (today). According to the jirga, the demands include reopening blocked roads and withdrawal of cases registered against local elders. Bannu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the two FC personnel and said their sacrifices would not go in vain. In a statement, he said anti-state elements were attempting to destabilise the region through cowardly acts, but law enforcement agencies remained fully alert. He paid tribute to the bravery of the martyred personnel, calling them heroes who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the country. "The entire nation salutes their sacrifices," he said.