Soldier killed, militants raise flag in Bannu

A soldier was killed and 10 militants died during a security operation in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday. The military has not officially confirmed the operation, but sources say it targeted militants believed to be in the Kiri Malang area. An exchange of gunfire occurred, and the operation was still ongoing when the news was reported. In Bannu, local police reported that militants hoisted a flag on an abandoned police post. The flag, which appeared on social media, did not identify any specific group. The police post in the Barganto area had been abandoned for three months. Militants have been active in the Wazir subdivision, previously attacking police checkpoints. Earlier this year, heavily armed attackers struck a police checkpoint in Bargantoo, but the police successfully defended it. In November 2024, kidnappers abducted seven policemen during an attack on a border checkpoint. The policemen were later rescued through negotiations and police raids. On the same day, police also thwarted a midnight attack on the Kinger Bridge police checkpoint in Bannu. Officers at the checkpoint managed to repel the assault despite facing both light and heavy weaponry. Regional Police Officer Imran Shahid praised the officers for their bravery and urged them to remain vigilant against future militant threats.