Armed Militants Target Worshippers
In a shocking attack on Wednesday, armed terrorists stormed a mosque in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, abducting three brothers, two of whom were police officers. Eyewitnesses reported that 10 to 12 heavily armed men entered the mosque during prayer, holding worshippers hostage before forcibly taking the three men to an undisclosed location.
The abducted brothers were identified as Saeed Akhtar, a clerk at the Commissioner’s Office, and his siblings Amjad and Hazratullah, both serving police officers in the Wazir subdivision. The attack has left the local community in fear and anger, with residents condemning the brutality of the incident.
Discovery of Bodies and Ongoing Search
Police later confirmed that the two officers, Amjad and Hazratullah, were killed. Their bodies were discovered along Marwat Canal Road, showing signs of brutal execution. Local Chairman Masoom Wazir rushed to the scene after being informed and found the victims lying in pools of blood. The bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for postmortem procedures.
The third brother, Saeed Akhtar, remains missing, prompting concerns over his safety. Authorities have launched an urgent search and rescue operation, coordinating with security forces in the region to locate him and prevent further bloodshed.
Militant Involvement and Security Response
Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan stated that the attackers are believed to be affiliated with a known militant group. He confirmed that a comprehensive counter-terrorism operation is underway to apprehend those responsible. Khan emphasized that the law enforcement agencies would not let the killings go unpunished and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The attack has sparked widespread outrage among citizens and local leaders, who have criticized the security lapses that allowed militants to enter a place of worship with ease. Authorities have promised increased patrolling and tighter security measures at mosques, police stations, and other vulnerable locations in the district.
The Bannu mosque abduction and killing highlight the persistent threat of militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security experts have urged the government to strengthen intelligence and coordination between law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of two brave officers who sacrificed their lives while serving the public.
