Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), shared details of the hostage operation in CTD Bannu.
Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that security forces stormed the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) compound in Bannu, killing 25 terrorists, arresting two, and forcing seven to surrender.
In action, a junior officer and two sepoys were killed, and 10 men, including three officers, were injured.
The DG ISPR talking on the private tv channel ‘Geo News’ show ‘Aapas Ki Baat’ that on December 18, a detained terrorist overpowered the duty constable, stole his firearm, and freed 34 other terrorists, who then seized other weapons and began firing.
A CTD officer was killed in action, while another was injured and died in a hospital, he informed the reporter.
According to Maj. Gen. Sharif, terrorists have taken a junior officer captive.
“Upon hearing the gunfire, security forces from Bannu Cantt rushed to the complex and besieged the area.”
The head of ISPR stated that immediately following the terrorists’ occupation of the compound on December 18, security forces killed two terrorists and arrested three others, while two security personnel were injured.
During the next two days, attempts were made to persuade the terrorists to surrender unconditionally, but an effective siege prevented the militants from escaping.
Major General Sharif stated that the terrorists had asked for safe passage to Afghanistan but were told it was out of the question.
According to him, the security forces assaulted the complex after the terrorists refused to surrender, killing 25 in a violent exchange of gunfire.
In addition to three arrests, Maj Gen Sharif stated that seven terrorists had surrendered and three sons of the nation had sacrificed themselves: Subedar Major Khursheed Akram, Private Saeed, and Private Babar. In addition, there were ten injured soldiers, including three officers.
The military spokeswoman reaffirmed the security forces’ determination to eradicate terrorism, adding that the sacrifices of the martyrs strengthen this determination.
The situation in Bannu remained severe on Tuesday’s third day of the operation to clear the CTD compound of militants.
Major General Sharif added that the most recent wave of terrorism emanating from the western border will not be let to emerge. “Whoever attacks us will be obliterated,” he said.
While discussing the policy about the outlawed TTP, he stated that no terrorist organization will be permitted to prosper and that the state’s authority will be established at all costs.
