Elite Force constable martyred in Bannu attack

BANNU: An Elite Force police constable was martyred on Monday after armed assailants opened fire on him in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, police officials said.

Constable Ahmadullah was present at a shop in Peepal Bazaar, Daud Shah, when unidentified attackers targeted him. He suffered critical gunshot wounds and died at the scene, while the assailants managed to escape.

A large police contingent reached the area shortly after the incident and cordoned it off. Search and patrol operations were launched to trace the attackers and secure the surrounding area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Rahmat Ali described the constable’s death as a tragic loss and paid tribute to his sacrifice. He said the incident would not weaken the resolve of the police and that law enforcement agencies would continue operations against elements threatening peace and security.

Police have intensified surveillance and search activities in the area as part of efforts to identify and arrest those involved in the attack.

The latest incident comes amid continued security challenges in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant violence has increased in recent years. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have been conducting operations against militant groups, particularly in areas close to the Afghan border.

Earlier this month, a police constable was killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a police vehicle during a routine patrol near the Shatakai Dam area of Karak.

In July, two police officers were also killed and two others wounded when a suspected remotely detonated explosive device targeted a police armoured personnel carrier on the Wana-Jandola road in Tank district.

Bannu has also witnessed attacks on public infrastructure. In July, explosives damaged a government girls’ middle school in Mama Khel, while another explosive device planted beneath a bridge in Jani Khel was defused by security personnel before it could cause damage.

The repeated attacks have highlighted the continuing security challenges facing the province and prompted authorities to strengthen patrols, intelligence gathering and counterterrorism operations.