Cop injured as police, militants clash in Bannu

BANNU: A police constable was injured during an exchange of fire between police and militants in the Noorad area on Wednesday.

According to police, militants had set up blockades around the Noorad Bazaar in the jurisdiction of Miryan Police Station. The police rushed to the location after receiving information. The militants opened fire as soon as they spotted the police.

The firing left one Constable Mohsin Khan injured. As the students were leaving the nearby Government Girls High School, Ataullah, after school hours, the militants used them as cover to escape and took refuge in the surrounding area.

A security operation was launched immediately. Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan and District Police Officer Saleem Abbas Kalachi reached the site.

Local sources revealed that the militants had briefly taken refuge in the school and held the school staff and students hostage.

However, the security forces managed to regain control of the school, rescuing the staff and students safely and averting a major tragedy.

Some militants were reportedly injured and taken away by accomplices. Security forces and police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

The Quick Response Force, Rapid Response Force and Armored Personnel Carriers took part in the operation.

Bannu SP City, Tauheed Khan, visited the District Headquarters Hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured constable.