RAWALAKOT/BANNU Four terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij by authorities, were killed during an intelligence-based police operation in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The militants were found hiding in a cave in the Hussain Kot forest area.
Two police officers, Gulzar and Tariq Bashir, were martyred during the operation, confirmed Rawalakot SSP Riaz Mughal. The encounter began after a terrorist threw a grenade at the police, who responded with gunfire neutralizing all four suspects. The terrorists were identified as Zarnosh Naseem, his brother Gibran Naseem, Ulfat, and an unidentified individual. Authorities recovered rifles, grenades, suicide vests, and ammunition from the site. Police stated the group was being directed from Afghanistan and intended to carry out a major attack in Azad Kashmir.
Separately in Bannu, a police officer named Murtaza was killed and three others injured in a gunfight involving terrorists and local peace committee members who resisted an attempted incursion in Landigak area. The wounded, including police constable Mir Zaman, a schoolteacher, and a civilian, were hospitalized. Locals had warned the terrorists through community jirgas before taking up arms to defend their village. Police said the terrorists fled due to the coordinated defense.
Over the past 24 hours, at least seven people including police were killed and five others wounded in multiple shootings across Bannu, highlighting ongoing security challenges.