Militants abduct and kill two police brothers in Bannu

Two brothers were brutally murdered, and a third remains missing after armed militants attacked a mosque in Sokari Hassan Khel during Isha and Taraweeh prayers.

Officials said ten to twelve gunmen stormed the mosque, abducted the men, and fled in a vehicle, showing no respect for the sanctity of the mosque or the ongoing prayers. The victims were identified as Saeed Akhtar, an operator at the Commissioner’s Office; Amjad Khan, a police constable with the SDW Elite Force; and Hazratullah, a police constable with the SDW Commissioner Squad. Later, the bodies of Amjad Khan and Hazratullah were found along a roadside with clear signs of violent killing.

Saeed Akhtar remains unaccounted for, and authorities have launched a large-scale search operation to locate him and apprehend the attackers. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and are conducting investigations in and around Sokari Hassan Khel. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the gunmen acted quickly and escaped within minutes, making tracing them a challenge.

Funeral prayers for Amjad Khan and Hazratullah were held in Bannu, attended by senior officials, including DIG Bannu Sajad Khan, Deputy Commissioner Faheemullah, Assistant Commissioner Allah Nawaz, and other police officers. Officials laid flowers on the bodies and prayed for the martyrs’ elevation and forgiveness.

Speaking at the funeral, DIG Bannu condemned the attack, describing it as a terrorist act targeting innocent citizens and places of worship. He emphasized that such attacks during the holy month of Ramadan are unforgivable and assured that the sacrifices of the martyrs will not go in vain.

Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, increase security in sensitive areas, and prevent similar attacks in the future. Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working to recover the missing brother while strengthening measures to protect mosques and the local community.