ISLAMABAD: Police in Pakistan’s Bannu district said on Monday it thwarted an ambush and killed two militants during a fierce gunbattle, as Islamabad grapples with a surge in militant attacks in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. 

A police vehicle came under attack from militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban group within the jurisdiction of the Domel Police Station in Bannu, a statement from police said. 

The police van was on patrol when TTP militants, who were lying in wait near the district’s Company Road, suddenly opened indiscriminate firing on the police party. Following the attack, both sides traded fire for approximately 20 minutes. 

“During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed and weapons were recovered from their possession,” the statement said. 

Police launched a search operation in the area after the gunfire ended, during which the bodies of the two militants were recovered. The bodies were shifted to the Khaleefa Gul Nawaz (KGN) Hospital in the area for legal formalities. 

Bannu Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan praised police for its unwavering commitment in saving people’s lives and for “standing firm against terrorism at all costs.” 

“He said operations against elements of Fitna Al-Khawarij will continue under a zero-tolerance policy and those attempting to disrupt peace and order will not be spared under any circumstances,” the police statement said. 

Pakistan’s government and army frequently use the term “Fitna Al-Khawarij” to describe TTP militants. The term is drawn from Islamic history for an extremist sect that rebelled against authority and declared other Muslims apostates.

The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against law enforcement agencies since 2008 in a bid to impose its strict version of Islamic law across Pakistan.

Bannu has also seen several militant attacks in the recent past, with four members of a pro-government peace committee killed by militants in the district earlier this month. In 2025, Bannu police said it recorded 134 attacks on police stations, checkpoints and those targeting its personnel. At least 27 police officers were killed, while authorities say 53 militants died in the clashes. 

Pakistan has repeatedly accused neighboring Afghanistan of allowing its soil to be used by armed groups such as the TTP for “cross-border attacks.” It has also alleged that India supports militant groups carrying out attacks against Pakistan. Both Kabul and New Delhi have denied these claims.