The Pakistani security forces have recaptured a kidnapped police station, murdering all 33 hostage-takers, according to the defense minister.
Sunday, Islamist terrorists from the Pakistani Taliban seized control of a remote district in the northwestern Bannu region.
Several individuals, including security personnel, were there at the time.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that all captives were liberated, two special forces were killed, and ten to fifteen military personnel were injured.
Local media stated that the Pakistani Taliban, commonly known as the TTP, confirmed responsibility for the attack in a statement.
After ending a month-long truce with the government, the gang escalated its attacks. The two factions have been at odds for many years.
The gang emerged in 2007, was suppressed by a military operation in 2014, and then reemerged.
It is distinct from the Afghan Taliban but has become increasingly active since the Afghans signed a peace agreement with the United States in 2020 and seized control of the country last year. The two organizations share a radical Islamist philosophy.
The hostage situation occurred near the shared border between the two countries.
Mr. Asif explained to the assembly that the 33 militants had ties to various groups and were being held in an anti-terrorism facility.
According to him, the hostages were abducted after a terrorist struck a guard with a brick and stole his pistol.
The extremists reportedly demanded a safe evacuation in exchange for the release of the captives. Due to the failure of negotiations, a standoff has developed.
Army commandos reportedly seized the opportunity to retake the police station at 12:30 local time (07:30 GMT) when the hostage-takers began bickering amongst themselves.
Witnesses reported explosions and heavy gunfire during the siege.
Mr. Asif informed the assembly that “all terrorists” had been eliminated and that all captives had been freed, without giving the latter figure.
He attributed the fatal tragedy to the “complete collapse” of the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
On Tuesday, nearby schools, businesses, and roadways were closed, while police checkpoints remained in place.
The incident occurred during a spate of violent attacks in Pakistan, the majority of which were directed at the security forces.
Sunday, four police officers were slain in a separate attack somewhere in Bannu.
