An attempted militant attack on a police vehicle in the Domel area of Bannu district was successfully foiled on Monday, resulting in the killing of two assailants, police officials said.
Read More: Four peace committee members killed in Bannu gun attack
According to police, the incident occurred when a police vehicle was conducting a routine patrol in the area. Militants, who were reportedly lying in ambush, opened indiscriminate fire on the police party, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire. The clash continued for approximately twenty minutes.
🚨⚡#UPDATE: In Domel area of Bannu, the Bomb Disposal Squad defused an IED on Eidgah Road, preventing possible harm. Police said citizens were kept safe and security efforts continue. pic.twitter.com/GMfBySxZVn
— KP FrontLine (@KPFrontLine) January 26, 2026
Upon receiving information about the attack, additional police contingents were immediately dispatched to the site. These included units of the Quick Response Force (QRF), Rapid Response Force (RRF), and an armoured personnel carrier (APC) from Police Lines Bannu to reinforce the personnel already engaged.
Police officials said that following the exchange of fire, a search operation was launched in the surrounding area. During the operation, the bodies of two militants were recovered and taken into police custody. Weapons and ammunition were also seized from the deceased attackers.
Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan and District Police Officer Yasir Afridi confirmed the incident and commended the Domel police for their timely and effective response, which they said prevented potential casualties and damage.
Police authorities reiterated that operations against anti-state elements would continue without interruption to ensure peace and stability in the district.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Bannu, where militant violence has increased in recent months. A day earlier, a member of a local peace committee was shot dead in a targeted attack near an Afghan refugee camp in the district, while his cousin sustained serious injuries.
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Bannu has witnessed repeated attacks on civilians, police personnel, and jirga members, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify targeted operations in various localities to dismantle militant networks and restore law and order.