13 reportedly taken hostage in Bannu’s Hathi Khel

MIRANSHAH: At least 13 people have reportedly been taken hostage by armed militants in the Hathi Khel area of Wazir subdivision in Bannu as tensions continue between a local peace committee, police and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Local residents have been leaving the mountainous area because of growing security concerns. According to local sources, a group of people was intercepted while travelling in vehicles loaded with household belongings.

The militants allegedly stopped the vehicles and took 13 people into custody. Those identified so far include Rehmanullah, Farmanullah, Laiq and Sadiq, sons of Shahabuddin; Mir Ali, son of Hazrat Ali; Muhammad Raziq; Azim Khan, son of Hamblis Khan; and Sameen, Hamidullah and Rakhidullah, sons of Shereen Gul. Three other individuals have yet to be identified.

Police have not issued an official statement regarding the reported incident. However, police sources, speaking privately, confirmed that the alleged hostage-taking had taken place.

A photograph said to show some of the captives has also circulated on social media. The image reportedly includes Nasir, also known as Gidarh, who is described as a local TTP commander. The identities of the people in the photograph and its authenticity could not be independently verified.

Sources said militants were preventing residents from leaving the area and had imposed conditions on families attempting to relocate. Some residents allegedly faced the demolition of their homes after failing to comply with those conditions. Authorities have not officially confirmed these claims.

The situation has caused increasing concern among families living in Hathi Khel and nearby mountainous areas. Several households have reportedly moved to safer locations in recent days amid fears of further violence.

Residents are facing difficulties in moving freely and transporting their belongings. The reported confrontation between the peace committee, police and militants has further complicated the security situation.

The alleged abduction of the 13 people has added to concerns among those still living in the area. Residents are seeking greater clarity from authorities regarding the security situation and the fate of the reported captives.