Terrorists launched another assault on the Fatah Khel police post in Bannu, marking the second attack within 48 hours. Two police officers embraced martyrdom in the latest ambush.
According to police officials, the attackers stormed the checkpoint and managed to flee after the assault. The Bannu district police officer (DPO) confirmed that the same post had come under fire the previous night. However, security personnel successfully repelled that attack with swift retaliation, forcing the militants to escape.
Following the fresh wave of terror attacks, authorities have intensified security in the region. A large-scale search operation is underway to track down the assailants.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant activities. In January 2025, terror attacks surged by 42% compared to the previous month, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The think tank reported at least 74 militant strikes nationwide, leading to 91 deaths. The casualties included 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people sustained injuries, including 53 security officials, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the worst-hit province, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, killing 19 people. The dead included 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants. The province’s tribal districts, formerly known as FATA, recorded 19 attacks. These incidents resulted in 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
Balochistan also faced a surge in terrorist incidents. The province witnessed 24 attacks, leaving 26 people dead. Among them were 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants. In Punjab, two attacks took place, injuring one security officer.
On the last day of January, militants launched a major assault on a police checkpoint in DG Khan’s Jhangi area. However, security forces successfully pushed back the attackers without any casualties.
Sindh and Islamabad each reported one attack, but no fatalities occurred. The month also witnessed two suicide bombings in Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for one, while the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army took credit for the other.
The alarming increase in terror attacks has raised concerns about security nationwide. Authorities continue their efforts to curb militancy and ensure peace in the affected regions.
