As many as three suspected militants were killed in a late-night operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in Bannu, officials said on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the provincial anti-terror police said the eliminated militants were affiliated with the proscribed Gul Bahadur and Zarar groups.
They were identified as Mudassir, Turab, and Mohammad Hussain, the spokesperson added, saying all three, who were from Bannu, were wanted by the police for acts of terrorism.
After the successful raid, the CTD recovered explosives, automatic weapons, including a Kalashnikov and a pistol, as well as a motorcycle used by the suspects.
The CTD action came nearly ten days after another three militants affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a late-night operation in Lakki Marwat.
The CTD said that four hand grenades, multiple Kalashnikov rifles, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and two mobile phones were found in the aftermath of the operation carried out in Sarai Naurang area, near the Bhutani Canal.
The militants were wanted for multiple attacks on police and other law enforcement personnel, the spokesperson added.
Rising terror attacks
Pakistan saw a slight uptick in militant attacks in May 2025, even as heightened military tensions with neighbouring India failed to trigger a significant escalation in violence from extremist groups.
Data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates a 5% increase in attacks compared to April, though the overall picture suggests militant groups largely remained contained despite the regional geopolitical climate.
According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal rise from 81 in April.
These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.
While the overall number of attacks saw only a modest increase, a deeper dive into the figures reveals some concerning trends.
Deaths among security personnel surged by a significant 73%, underscoring the persistent threat faced by Pakistan’s armed forces.
Civilian injuries also witnessed a dramatic 145% increase, jumping from 53 in April to 130 in May, highlighting the growing impact of militant activities on the general populace. Conversely, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20%, falling from 59 to 47.
In operations initiated by security forces during the month, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel lost their lives.
Combining militant attacks and security operations, the overall casualty toll for May stood at 172, including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members.
Balochistan and KP remained the most affected provinces, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide.
Balochistan experienced the highest level of violence, with 35 militant attacks that left 51 people dead — including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three militants — and 100 injured (94 civilians, five security personnel, and one militant).
