24 militants killed in security operations after Bannu suicide bombing, Pakistan military says

Pakistan's security forces killed 24 suspected militants during joint intelligence-based operations in the northwestern district of Bannu and surrounding areas, the military said on Friday.

The operations followed a wave of militant attacks, including a vehicle-borne suicide bombing that targeted law enforcement personnel and killed at least 15 cops.

Why did Pakistan launch military operations in Bannu?

The operations began after a rise in attacks in Bannu, where militants targeted law enforcement personnel and civilians.

The military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement that intelligence-based operations were launched in response. It referred to the militants as "Fitna Al-Khwarij," the term it uses for militants operating on Pakistani soil with alleged Indian backing.

How many militants were killed in the Bannu operations?

ISPR said 24 suspected militants were killed during intense exchanges of fire over the past 24 hours. Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the dead militants. The military said those killed had been involved in multiple attacks and in the killing of civilians.

The military said intelligence-based operations would continue until those responsible for the recent attacks, along with their support network, are brought to justice. Pakistan has seen a resurgence in militant violence in recent years, particularly in the northwestern provinces bordering Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused militant groups of using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan, a charge the Taliban-led government in Kabul denies.

What is Azm-e-Istehkam?

ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to continuing counterterrorism operations under Azm-e-Istehkam.

The nationwide campaign was approved by the Federal Apex Committee under Pakistan's National Action Plan to combat militancy.