Officials announced on Thursday that three suspected militants were killed during a late-night operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in Bannu. A spokesperson for the provincial anti-terror police stated that the militants eliminated were affiliated with the proscribed Gul Bahadur and Zarar groups.
The spokesperson identified the individuals as Mudassir, Turab, and Mohammad Hussain, all residents of Bannu, who were wanted by the police for acts of terrorism. Following the successful raid, the CTD recovered explosives, automatic weapons—including a Kalashnikov and a pistol—and a motorcycle used by the suspects.
This CTD action occurred approximately ten days after another late-night operation in Lakki Marwat resulted in the killing of three militants linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The CTD reported that four hand grenades, multiple Kalashnikov rifles, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and two mobile phones were discovered after the operation carried out in the Sarai Naurang area, near the Bhutani Canal. The spokesperson added that these militants were wanted for various attacks on police and other law enforcement personnel.
Rising Terror Incidents
Pakistan experienced a slight increase in militant attacks in May 2025, even as heightened military tensions with neighboring India did not lead to a significant escalation in violence from extremist groups. Data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates a 5% rise in attacks compared to April, though the overall assessment suggests militant groups largely remained contained despite the regional geopolitical climate.
According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal increase from 81 in April. These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.
While the overall number of attacks saw only a modest increase, a deeper analysis of the figures reveals some concerning trends. Deaths among security personnel surged by a significant 73%, highlighting the persistent threat faced by Pakistan’s armed forces. Civilian injuries also witnessed a dramatic 145% increase, jumping from 53 in April to 130 in May, underscoring the growing impact of militant activities on the general populace. Conversely, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20%, falling from 59 to 47.
In operations initiated by security forces during the month, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel lost their lives. Combining militant attacks and security operations, the overall casualty toll for May stood at 172, including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected provinces, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide. Balochistan experienced the highest level of violence, with 35 militant attacks that left 51 people dead—including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three militants—and 100 injured (94 civilians, five security personnel, and one militant).
