Bannu

Security forces have gunned down the terrorists holding hostages inside the Counter-Terrorism Department's (CTD) compound in Bannu in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Forces are however further combing the area to search for and neutralise any terror threats still hiding out there.

The fierce exchange of fire left several security men injured.

The forces had launched an operation to free the hostages taken by militants in the compound earlier on Tuesday.

Local media reported that columns of smoke could be seen rising from the compound, while a gunbattle raged on inside.

Schools have already been shut down in Bannu on the orders of the deputy commissioner. The hospitals have been put on high alert and mobile services have also been blocked in the area.

The operation was launched after Taliban terrorists stormed the CTD compound in Bannu and held hostages on Sunday.

To end the standoff, the Pakistan government started talks with the leadership of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.

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The terrorists were demanding a safe air route to Afghanistan.