BANNU/LOWER DIR: Three terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted jointly by Bannu Police and the counter-terrorism department (CTD).

Reports suggest that highly wanted terrorist commander Naseer Mohammad alias Geedarh (jackal) was among those killed.

However, the police have yet not recovered the body.

Bannu district police officer retired Captain Mohammad Furqan Bilal said that three terrorists were killed and six police personnel sustained injuries during the operation.

Reports suggest most wanted commander among dead

The operation was carried out in Akbar Ali Khan Kalay, Sadakhel, Sadar Awan and adjoining areas under the direct supervision of DPO Furqan Bilal.

According to police, the body of a terrorist was recovered, along with a significant quantity of weapons and a drone camera. Police said that a search operation at suspected locations in the area was under way, while security had been further tightened in various areas of Domel.

Meanwhile, two bodies were recovered from Sadakhel Road near Bahmali Pump in Domel area of Bannu on Thursday morning.

The victims, including Ziad Khan and Muzammil Khan, were allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants. Both belonged to the Mamandkhel Wazir area, locals said.

Following the incident, Civil Defence Chief Warden Masoom Wazir reached the scene, while the bodies were shifted for legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased and residents staged a protest demonstration on Miranshah Road, placing the bodies there.

The protesters alleged that both men had been taken into custody a few days ago by the police peace committee and shifted to the police lines. They claimed that the two were subsequently allegedly killed and their bodies were later found dumped along a roadside in Domel.

The protesters alleged that local residents were being taken into custody without their families being provided with adequate information, and that their bodies were later recovered from different locations.

They demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the deaths and called for those responsible to be brought to justice if found guilty.

The protesters warned that if justice was not delivered, they would take the bodies to Peshawar and stage a protest there.

Later, negotiations between the district administration and the protesters proved successful.

The administration assured the protesters that as most police officers were currently engaged in the ongoing operation in Domel, the relevant police officials would present their position regarding the deceased before their families and clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident. Following the negotiations, the protesters conditionally called off the protest and the deceased were laid to rest.

Chief Warden Civil Defence Masoom Wazir said that if investigations established that the deceased were involved in any crime, the matter would not be pursued further.

He, however, said if they’re found to have been picked up and killed merely on suspicion, the community would consult among themselves and announce their future course of action.

NO LET-UP IN GUN BATTLE: A gun battle between terrorists and police in the mountainous Barikot Dubando area of Upper Dir district continued on Thursday, with police and terrorists remaining engaged in an operation that began on Wednesday night.

Officials said both sides were entrenched in their positions and heavy weapons were being used during the exchange of fire. There are no confirmed reports of casualties.

Unverified reports suggested that terrorists had briefly taken some residents hostage before releasing them. Security forces also carried out limited shelling from helicopters on suspected terrorist hideouts in the area. However, no casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, residents from various parts of Upper Dir, including Wari, Nihag Dara, Shalgah, Lar Jam and Ushirai Dara, rallied in support of the police following announcements made through local mosques. Armed volunteers moved towards the affected area as part of a local lashkar.

According to eyewitnesses, the armed volunteers later gathered outside the deputy commissioner’s office and briefly blocked the Dir-Chitral Road, demanding the immediate release of people allegedly held by militants.

Protesters accused the administration of failing to maintain law and order and warned that residents would take up arms to defend themselves if authorities were unable to ensure peace. The road was later reopened to traffic.

Separately, a joint targeted operation by Upper Dir police and Dir Scouts was under way in Dubando and adjoining areas within the jurisdiction of Dir City police station.

Police said personnel of the Elite Force, counter-terrorism department and Bomb Disposal Squad were participating in the operation. Thermal imaging equipment, drones and armoured vehicles are being used to monitor the area.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026