25 terrorists killed in Bannu CTD operation: DG ISPR

Rawalpindi: The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that 25 militant detainees, who had seized control of the Bannu facility, were killed after talks failed to resolve a two-day standoff. 

As per details, an operation was conducted to free anti-terrorism police officers who were held hostage inside a prison compound for three days. 

While providing details of the operation, Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif said that negotiations were held with the terrorists in the building for two days, which failed to achieve a breakthrough, following this the security forces were directed to clear the compound. 

Over 20 terrorists were killed while two were arrested and seven surrendered, said DG ISPR. 

The DG ISPR further added that a junior commissioned officer and two sepoys were martyred while up to 15 others were wounded in the clashes.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, while sharing details with an evening session of parliament in Islamabad said, the counterterrorism center had housed “33 terrorists” when the siege started. 

On December 18, a detained militant overpowered the duty constable, snatched his weapon and freed 34 other terrorists, grabbing more weapons from the armory— killing two CTD constables.  

The militants had taken over the structure and kidnapped several law-enforcement officers.  

Pakistani police and military forces quickly arrived in a bid to retake control of the facility and free the hostages. However, their effort failed. 

Reportedly, the hostage-takers were demanding the Pakistani government to arrange a “safe air passage” to Afghanistan, threatening to kill all the captives.