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The Pakistani army announced on Friday the killing of 24 militants during a series of military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, following a surge in militant attacks, the latest being a suicide car bombing targeting security forces and civilians in the Bannu area.

In a statement, the army said that security forces conducted extensive joint operations over the past 24 hours in Bannu and surrounding areas, resulting, after fierce clashes, in the killing of 24 militants, along with the seizure of weapons and ammunition in their possession.

The Pakistani army spokesman, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said in a statement on X that the operation came in light of "the recent surge in terrorist activities" targeting police forces and the suicide attack that took place in Bannu, confirming that forces have launched intelligence operations to track down the perpetrators of the attacks and their support network.

He added that "military operations in the area will continue, and that those responsible for these 'brutal and cowardly' acts will be brought to justice," stressing that "the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign, carried out by the armed forces and Pakistani law enforcement agencies under the vision of 'Azm-e-Istehkam' (Resolve for Stability), and endorsed by the Supreme Committee of the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate terrorism supported and funded by foreign elements within the country."

In the backdrop of recent surge in terrorist activities against Police and vehicle borne suicide bombing in Bannu District, in which Indian Proxy Fitna Al-Khwarij targeted Law Enforcement Agencies and innocent civilians, Security Forces have initiated extensive joint…

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 17, 2026

This comes days after a suicide attack targeting a police checkpoint in Bannu district, which resulted in the killing of 14 police officers and injuries to others, following a car bomb explosion that was followed by a militant assault, in the latest wave of escalating violence in the border areas with Afghanistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Praises Operation Success

For his part, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to local media, praised the security forces and law enforcement agencies for the success of the operation, confirming that the killed militants were responsible for targeting police officers and civilians in recent attacks in Bannu city.

Sharif said that the swift response and professionalism of the security forces are commendable, adding: "The entire nation stands with its brave soldiers." He also confirmed that eliminating terrorism and its supporters remains a government priority, vowing to bring all those responsible for the attacks to justice.

Bannu has witnessed an escalation in militant activity for years, extending to Pakistan's border areas.

The Taliban government in Kabul denies Islamabad's accusations that Afghan territory serves as a safe haven for militants, but strained relations have deteriorated into bloody armed conflict, in the context of which Pakistan has carried out airstrikes on Afghan cities in recent months.

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