BANNU: Militants have released the 13 Bannu hostages in the mountainous Hathikhel area of Bannu’s Wazir subdivision after negotiations with local elders, local sources said on Tuesday.
The villagers were seized on Friday when they were relocating to safer parts of the Hathikhel area. Their release came after negotiations between the militants and local elders.
A video received by Dawn purportedly showed the released individuals standing together. The local commander of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Nasir alias Gidarh, and some local elders were also seen with them.
In the video, the militant commander asked the local elders not to get involved in the ongoing fighting. Police have not issued any statement about the release of the hostages.
Bannu hostages: Ongoing tensions in Hathikhel
The release came amid continuing tensions in Hathikhel and adjoining mountainous areas among militants, police and a local peace committee. Several families are reportedly facing difficulties and moving to safer locations.
Local sources earlier claimed that militants were trying to prevent residents from leaving the area. They said the militants had imposed restrictions on families seeking to relocate, and that some houses were demolished after families failed to comply with those restrictions.
Meanwhile, another group in Hathikhel has taken up arms against the militants and is reportedly engaged in armed resistance. Local sources said this group was unwilling to negotiate with the militants.
Eight suspects detained in Talgi
In a separate development, eight suspects were detained during an operation against suspected militants in the Talgi area on Tuesday.
The joint operation was led by Bannu district police officer Furqan Bilal. Personnel from the counter-terrorism department, police, Elite Force and security forces took part.
The operation led to the demolition of militant hideouts with the assistance of drone quadcopters and armoured personnel carriers. The security personnel detained eight suspects and seized one Kalashnikov and two pistols.
Bannu hostages: Who were the hostages?
The 13 hostages were villagers from the Hathikhel area of Bannu’s Wazir subdivision. They were taken hostage on Friday while relocating to safer areas amid tensions between militants, police and a local peace committee.
Bannu hostages: Who negotiated their release?
Local elders negotiated with the militants for the release of the villagers. A video purportedly showed the released individuals with local elders and a TTP commander, Nasir alias Gidarh.
Why were the villagers being held?
According to local sources, militants were trying to prevent residents from leaving the Hathikhel area and had imposed restrictions on families seeking to relocate. The villagers were seized while moving to safer locations.
What is the situation in Hathikhel now?
Tensions continue in Hathikhel and adjoining areas among militants, police and a local peace committee. Several families are moving to safer locations, and one local group has taken up arms against the militants. Police have not issued an official statement on the hostage release.
