29 killed as police, militants clash in Pakistan

At least 29 people have been killed in fierce clashes between police, a peace committee and militants in the Barakzai Akhundkhel area of Mirian tehsil in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Two police officers and two civilians are among the dead.

District Police Officer Yasir Afridi said more than 25 militants were killed in the operation.

According to sources, police and the peace committee launched a swift operation on Saturday, May 23, after receiving information about the presence of a large number of militants. The Lakki Marwat peace committee also arrived to assist Bannu police. Militants had set up barricades on various roads, which police removed as they advanced.

Despite heavy gunfire, police were able to safely reach the police station, and additional forces arrived to bring the situation under control.

Two top militant commanders, Jamari Noor and Abdullah, were also killed in the operation. However, local sources said a significant number of militants remain in the Barakzai area, with sporadic gunfire continuing.

The two police officers killed were identified as Wahid Khan and Noorullah. Two civilians, a retired FC officer named Raib Khan and Nasir Khan, were also killed.

In a separate operation, Bannu police defused a 10-kilogram remote-controlled bomb planted near the Mamash Khel Gul Zaman Mosque on the Bannu-Miranshah road, foiling a major sabotage attempt.