BANNU: Hostage situation in Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continues after almost 17 hours as militants occupying compound of police station reiterated their demand for safe passage to Afghanistan. Militants reportedly control entire police station compound. As per reports, body of policeman, who was martyred last night by firing of militants has been transferred to police lines. Roads adjacent to CTD compound and Bannu cantonment have been closed to traffic due to security situation in area. According to reports, militants have appealed to Bannu’s scholars and leaders for talks. “Innocent people are in our custody, our aim is to free our comrades, not to harm anyone,” statement by militants read.

A day earlier, at least two CTD officials were martyred and many more injured after militant overpowered interrogators, snatched an AK-47 rifle and opened fire inside CTD facility. Bannu district police officer told that militant also freed other suspects being held in building and they took control of compound, taking several policemen hostage. Authorities later cordoned off entire Bannu cantonment, he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 20 2022

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