BANNU: Security Forces have wrapped up their ‘search and kill’ operation after gunning down the terrorists holding hostages inside the Counter-Terrorism Department’s (CTD) compound in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday.
Forces were however further combing the area to search for and neutralize any terror threats still hiding out there, Geo News reported citing Security Officials. The fierce exchange of fire left several security men injured.
The forces had launched an operation to free the hostages taken by militants in the compound earlier today. Officials, privy to the development, shared with Geo News that a clearance operation was underway.
Schools have already been shut down in Bannu on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner. The hospitals have been put on high alert and mobile services have also been blocked in the area.
Earlier today, footage shared by senior journalist and expert on Afghanistan mattere Tahir Khan showed plumes of smoke rising in the air from the CTD compound as the operation was under way.
As per details, the operation was launched after TTP terrorists stormed the CTD compound in Bannu and held hostages on Sunday. To end the standoff, the government of Pakistan started talks with the leadership of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan. It was confirmed by Mohammad Ali Saif, spokesperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Also read;
Border Violation by Afghan Forces
TTP and Peace Talks
Amid the rising terror incidents in Pakistan, the US has offered to help the country in dealing with the threats posed by the militant outfits. During a press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price was asked to comment on terrorism and the hostage situation at a counterterrorism centre in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu city.
“Well, first on the ongoing situation in Pakistan, we are of course aware. We’ve been closely following reports that militants have seized control of the counterterrorism centre in Bannu. We offer our deepest sympathies to those injured,” Ned Price said and urged those responsible for the attack to cease all acts of violence, to safely release those who remain hostage, and to end the seizure of the counterterrorism centre.
The spokesperson said that Islamabad is a partner when it comes to these shared challenges, including the challenge of terrorist groups — terrorist groups inside of Afghanistan, and terrorist groups along the Afghan-Pakistan border.
“We have partnered with our Pakistani friends to take on — to help them take on this challenge. We stand ready to assist, whether with this unfolding situation or more broadly. But this is a situation for which we’d have to refer you to Pakistani authorities.”