Two police personnel were shot dead in separate incidents of targeted killing in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, police said.
According to police, the first incident occurred in the Sedgi Bakakhel area, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on police constable Muhammad Roshan outside his residence. He died on the spot, while the attackers managed to flee.
In the second incident near Azad Mandi, unidentified assailants targeted police officer Mishkwat Ullah Ameer.
Police said he was returning home after attending prayers at the Bakakhel Tablighi Markaz when he came under attack and was killed.
Police said investigations into both incidents have been launched, while search and intelligence-based operations are underway to trace and arrest those involved.
The killing of two police personnel has triggered concern among residents of Bannu and adjoining areas. Locals condemned the attacks and called for immediate action against those responsible.
Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.
{{/usCountry}}Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.
{{/usCountry}}Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga (tribal council) members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces in various localities to disrupt militant networks.
Last month, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in an assessment that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan's security situation had deteriorated sharply in May, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
On May 9, a suicide attack in Bannu claimed the lives of 15 police personnel, after which Pakistan issued a "strong demarche" to Afghanistan.