According to a statement from regional police spokesperson Kashif Nawaz, the attackers belonged to ‘Fitna al Khawarij’, a term used by the state for militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police officials said the attackers opened fire late on Thursday night, but the personnel at the check post responded quickly and bravely, pushing the militants back.

The statement added that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties due to the police’s strong retaliatory fire. The gun battle continued for nearly three hours, and initial reports suggest several militants were killed or injured.

Armed tribesmen and members of the local peace committee also joined the police in fighting off the attackers. During the exchange of fire, five cops received minor injuries and were shifted to a hospital.

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Following orders from Bannu DIG Sajjad Khan, additional police units reached the area, cordoned it off, and launched a search operation. Both the Bannu DIG and DPO Yasir Afridi praised the officers and residents for their courage.

The DPO also visited the injured officers in the hospital, stating that “Bannu police have once again proven that it stands as a strong wall in front of the enemies of peace. The war against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

This attack came a day after tension rose in the region when at least seven people, including children, were hurt in a quadcopter strike by terrorists during a football match.

Pakistan continues to face a rise in militant activity, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP ended its ceasefire in November 2022 and vowed to target security forces and law enforcement agencies. In October, the Centre for Research and Security Studies warned of growing violence linked to increased militant attacks and intensified operations.