BANNU (April 20, 2026) — Security forces have killed a high-value terrorist leader and his suicide bomber accomplice during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district. The military confirmed that the primary target was the mastermind behind a deadly attack in February that martyred a senior army officer.
Operation Details
- Ring leader Waheedullah (alias Muktiar) and an unidentified suicide bomber were targeted.
- Waheedullah was identified as the “main handler” of the February 21 suicide attack that resulted in the martyrdom of Lt Col Gul Faraz.
- A suicide jacket, assorted weapons, and a significant cache of ammunition were recovered.
- The ISPR stated that the timely action “averted a major catastrophe” and successfully avenged the February attack.
Pakistan security forces killed two terrorists, including a wanted ring leader and a suicide bomber, during an intelligence-based operation in Bannu District.
(File photo) pic.twitter.com/ppSzSjRbi6
— Pakistan TV Digital (@PakistanTVcom) April 20, 2026
Counter-terrorism under ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’
The operation is part of the broader ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ campaign, a counter-terrorism vision approved by the Federal Apex Committee. The military’s media wing reiterated that Waheedullah was on the most-wanted list for orchestrating numerous attacks against both security forces and civilians. A sanitization operation is currently underway to ensure no remaining militant elements are present in the vicinity.
Bannu has faced a surge in militant violence recently, including a suicide car bombing at the Domel Police Station earlier this month that killed five civilians. Just 24 hours prior to this IBO, two personnel of the Federal Constabulary (FCN) were martyred in a separate firing incident in the district, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the region.
You May Like To Read: 01 Police Constable Martyred, 04 Injured Protecting Polio Workers in Hangu
Check out our latest video:
