PESHAWAR: Police in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province killed three militants after repelling an overnight assault on a post in Bannu district, an official said on Wednesday, with fresh attacks reported hours later in what authorities described as coordinated retaliation.

Bannu, a volatile district near Afghanistan, has frequently witnessed militant activity. KP has seen a surge in violence in recent years, with groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) repeatedly targeting police checkpoints, security forces and government installations.

Militants launched a heavy attack on the Khunia Khel police post during the night, according to Aamir Khan, spokesman for the Regional Police Officer in the district, trying to seize the facility. However, law enforcement personnel stationed there fought them off.

“The officers displayed exceptional valor and professionalism, putting up a fierce resistance against the terrorists and forcing them to retreat,” he told Arab News over the phone.

Khan said three militants were killed and nine others injured in the clash, while one police officer sustained minor injuries.

Police were working to establish the identities of the slain attackers in the remote region, he continued, adding that one of the militants had been identified as commander Umar Azam, also known as Khazmati, while another was identified as Shahidullah.

The identity of the third militant was still being determined.

Khan said militants later launched coordinated attacks on the Ahmadzai Police Station and the Fateh Khel police post in an apparent attempt to avenge the deaths of their associates.

Security personnel at both locations repelled the assaults, forcing the attackers to retreat, he added.

The violence comes amid broader concerns about militant groups operating from Afghanistan.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of allowing militant groups to operate from their territory, a charge Kabul denies.

The issue has strained ties between the two neighbors and led to major border clashes last year.