Camp had been used by militants as cover for multiple attacks on security forces, says DPO
Militants reportedly attacked a police vehicle near an Afghan refugee camp on Kohat Road in Bannu, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of the settlement.
The incident occurred when Deputy Superintendent Police Mufeez Khan was traveling from Township to Domel. Attackers hiding near the camp opened fire on his vehicle in what police described as a planned ambush. Officers returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee.
Read: Five policemen injured as security forces repel terrorist attack in Bannu
The police vehicle sustained partial damage but no casualties were reported. Police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the suspects.
District Police Officer Yaser Afridi said the camp had been used by militants as cover for multiple attacks on security forces. He stated that Afghan refugees had already been given time to return to Afghanistan, and a large number of families have returned, however, in view of security concerns and the repeated use of the camp as a shield by militants, the evacuation has been ordered.
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According to district administration officials, the camp housed 2,567 individuals. Of these, 1,700 had already returned to Afghanistan prior to Saturday’s incident. Following the attack, another 120 people from 20 families were repatriated. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to demolish structures in the camp as part of the evacuation.
Police officials maintained that the law and order situation in the area remains under control and vowed to intensify action against militant elements while ensuring the protection of lives and property.
