BANNU (Kashmir English): According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces have killed two highly wanted terrorists of Fitna-ul-Kharij in a successful intelligence-based operation in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The operation was carried out on April 19, 2026, following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists, where a heavy exchange of fire took place between security forces and the Kharijites.
According to the ISPR statement, the slain terrorists include Waheedullah alias Mukhtiar and a suicide bomber. Suicide jackets, a large quantity of arms, and ammunition have also been recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists.
The Kharijite ringleader Waheedullah alias Mukhtiar, was wanted in several attacks on security forces and innocent civilians and was also the mastermind of the suicide attack in Bannu on February 21, 2026.
The ISPR spokesperson further said that clearance and search operations are underway to eliminate the presence of any other possible terrorists in the area.
This operation is part of the continuation of Operation ‘Azm-e-Ustaq’, which aims to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country. The security forces have vowed that such operations against terrorists will continue indiscriminately until peace is restored in the beloved homeland.
Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the target of Fitna-ul-Kharij activities in recent months, where a major suicide attack on February 21, 2026, challenged the law and order situation.
Since this incident, the security forces have further activated the intelligence network to reach the facilitators of the network. The killing of Waheedullah alias Mukhtiar is a major setback for the network, as he not only used to make strategic plans but also played a key role in delivering suicide bombers to the target.
This recent operation, carried out under Operation ‘Determination of Stability’, demonstrates that the state is adopting a systematic and aggressive strategy against terrorism to restore a peaceful environment for economic and social activities in the northern regions.
