The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police killed three militants of the banned TTP’s Bhittani group in a gunfight in Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The CTD Tank operation took place in Garra Faqira, off Jandola Road, within the limits of the SMA police station.
What Led to the CTD Tank Operation
The CTD had received verified information that militants were gathering in Garra Faqira to carry out a major attack. After confirming the tip, the department sent out well-armed personnel together with district police.
As the teams reached the location, the militants opened fire on them with intent to kill. The officers returned fire in self-defense and to try to arrest the suspects. The exchange of gunfire went on for a considerable time.
Three Militants Found Dead After Search Operation
Once the firing stopped, police combed the area and found the bodies of three militants belonging to the TTP Bhittani group. Two of them were identified as Usama, son of Sultan, and Suleman, son of Wali Muhammad, both residents of Faqir Kalay in Jandola. Police are still working to identify the third man.
Preliminary information suggests the dead men had been involved in several earlier terrorist attacks.
Attacks Linked to the Dead Militants
According to police, the group planted an improvised explosive device (IED) on the roof of a shop near Mira Alam Pump. The blast killed two policemen and a civilian, and seven other people were injured.
The same militants are also said to have placed an IED at the side of the main road in Wana Bazaar. Another device was allegedly planted on the roof of the office of Bilal, who heads the local peace committee.
Police also pointed to family ties among the militants. Usama was the brother of Shoaib, who was killed in 2025 while attacking Bannu Cantonment. Musa, who died in return fire after attacking Wana Bazaar police, was Usama’s cousin.
Weapons and Equipment Recovered
During the search, police recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, 11 magazines with ammunition and one mobile phone from the slain militants.
Police Leadership Praises the Team
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and the Additional IG of the Counter Terrorism Department praised the personnel involved. They acknowledged the team’s professionalism, courage and bravery.
Both officials said CTD and police action against militancy would continue without a break. Their stated aim is to end terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and protect the lives and property of residents.
