PESHAWAR / KHYBER: Two militants were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Jani Khel area of Bannu district on Wednesday, whereas a cop was martyred in a drive-by shooting in Bara tehsil.

Official sources said security forces carried out the operation based on intelligence reports that the militants were in the area.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the development. It said security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Jani Khel in the Bannu district.

“Two terrorists were killed in an intense exchange of fire between security forces and militants,” it said, adding that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militants, who had actively targeted security forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, a police constable was martyred after unidentified motorcyclists opened fire at him in Bara tehsil on Wednesday.

Police officials said the martyred police constable — Nur Mohammad of the Zakhakhel tribe — was targeted when he was on duty at a checkpoint near Shahbaz Plaza. The assailants fled after the shooting.

No group or individual immediately claimed responsibility for the killing. The police said the motive behind the attack was not clear.

Sources in Bara, however, said a personal or family enmity or revenge killing could not be ruled out.

The police said a case was registered against the unknown attackers and an investigation had been launched.

Separately, police in Landi Kotal arrested four more PTI activists on charges of damaging a vehicle of the anti-narcotics force on May 9 and trying to enter a local army camp.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2023