The operation was launched following reports of militant presence and suspicious movements in Sadrawn, Akbar Ali Khan Kala and adjoining areas. Security personnel cordoned off the area and used drone technology to monitor militant positions.
An exchange of fire took place during the operation, resulting in the deaths of five militants. Police said the injured militants were taken away by their accomplices, who escaped towards nearby bushes and inaccessible areas.
Search and clearance operations were subsequently expanded to locate suspected militant hideouts, temporary shelters and possible escape routes. Officials said the operation was aimed at eliminating militant presence and preventing the regrouping of armed elements.
Authorities said further details about the identities of those killed or injured and any weapons recovered would be released after completion of the operation.
Meanwhile, five quadcopter attacks were reportedly carried out against a police checkpost and a police station in Bannu, with no casualties reported.
Police sources said an explosive-laden drone targeted the Kashu Pul checkpost in Domel. However, the projectiles landed outside the facility, causing no casualties or significant damage.
Police personnel opened fire at the drone, forcing it to retreat, sources said.
The Ahmadzai police station was also targeted by a quadcopter, with explosives reportedly dropped towards the building. No casualties were reported.
Separately, residents of Hathikhel area resisted a militant attack on Friday night. Villagers said armed men opened fire on the area and continued their assault into the morning using quadcopters.
Mohammad Gul Khan Wazir, a resident of Ping Musakhel village, said residents contacted the Bannu district police officer and sought assistance due to a shortage of weapons and equipment.
Police authorities subsequently provided the residents with weapons and other necessary equipment, he said.
In another development, Bannu district police and the Counter-Terrorism Department arrested two suspects during an intelligence-based operation in Bazaar Ahmad Khan within the jurisdiction of Saddar police station.
Police claimed to have recovered four Kalashnikov rifles, 10 magazines, a bandolier, a drone, two laptops, five mobile phones, a surveillance device and a sharp-edged weapon from their possession.
The suspects were taken into custody for questioning, while investigations into the attacks and the alleged militant network were continuing.
