BANNU (KP): Five TTP militants were neutralised after an intensive exchange of fire during an IBO carried out by security forces here on Saturday (21st Feb, 2026).
According to ISPR: “A vehicle-borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design to target innocent civilians/law enforcement personnel in Bannu City, averting major catastrophe.”
The suicide bomber desperately rammed the explosive-laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group. As a result 43-year-old Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz (r/o Mansehra), and 28-year-old Sepoy Karamat Shah (r/o Peshawar) paid ultimate price for Pakistan.
ISPR maintained that TTP militants, who violated the sanctity of Ramazan, had no link with Islam. Military’s Media Wing reiterating that the attackers were operating from Afghanistan’s sanctuary, pointed out that Afghan Taliban Regime has yet again failed to contain their anti-state activities.
ISPR took to the X to state: “On 21 February, in a cowardly attack, Security Forces convoy was targeted by Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in Bannu District while an intelligence based operation was being conducted on reported presence of Khwarij including a suicide bomber.
“A vehicle borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design to target innocent civilians/ Law enforcement personnel in Bannu City, averting major catastrophe. During the conduct of operation, khwarij were located and after intense fire exchange, five khwarij were sent to hell by the security forces. However, in desperation, Khwarij rammed the explosive laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.
“Resultantly, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (age: 43 years, resident of District Manshera), a brave commanding officer renowned for his daring actions, who was leading his troops from the front embraced shahadat alongwith Sepoy Karamat Shah (age: 28 years, resident of District Peshawar).
“Khwarij are continuing with their terrorist activities inside Pakistan using Afghan soil, violating the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. This clearly indicates that they have no link with Islam.
“The Afghan Taliban Regime has yet again failed to stop the Khwarij from use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities inside Pakistan, that too in the holy month of Ramadan. Pakistan will not exercise any restrain and operations would continue against the perpetrators of this henious and cowardly act for justified retribution against Khwarij irrespective of their location.
“Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs.”
Militants have been attacking the civil as well as military targets for long, particularly in the provinces of Balochistan and KP. In return Security Forces of Pakistan too incessantly carry out operations to eliminate them.
Nespakistan.tv
Sania Jamali is based in Dubai and writes on National Politics of the region.
