Three brave officers of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) embraced martyrdom during a fierce gunfight with terrorists on Thursday. The exchange took place in the Chashmai area of Spin Tangi, Bannu. Two more CTD personnel sustained injuries in the clash.
District Police Officer Saleem Abbas Kalachi confirmed the details of the operation. He said CTD teams retaliated forcefully, killing two terrorists and injuring several others. Despite this, the militants managed to escape with the bodies and injured members of their group.
The wounded and fallen CTD officials were taken to a nearby hospital. The police also seized a large quantity of weapons from the terrorists. This included hand grenades, IEDs, and other explosive material. A search operation is currently underway. Heavy police presence remains in the area to catch those still at large.
This confrontation is the latest episode in a troubling rise in militant attacks in Pakistan. Just two days earlier, security forces eliminated three militants in an intelligence-led operation in Turbat, Balochistan.
Violence has sharply increased in recent months. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a 42% surge in attacks during January 2025 alone. According to their data, militant attacks in Pakistan are now concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
At least 74 acts of terrorism were recorded nationwide in January. These attacks led to 91 deaths. Among the dead were 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 people were wounded, including 53 from security forces, 54 civilians, and 10 terrorists.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s settled districts saw 27 such incidents. These left 19 people dead, including 11 security officers, six civilians, and two militants. The tribal areas of KP, formerly known as FATA, faced 19 assaults, leading to 46 fatalities. Victims included 13 personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
Balochistan also witnessed a deadly spike in violence. The province suffered 24 militant attacks, which killed 26 people. Among them were 11 from security agencies, six civilians, and nine militants.
Security forces have vowed to continue their fight against extremism. They remain determined to restore peace and eliminate the threat of terrorist violence from the country. As militant attacks in Pakistan continue to rise, law enforcement agencies are increasing operations to dismantle these networks.
