The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), in coordination with district police, eliminated six most-wanted terrorists affiliated with the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij on Wednesday in Lower Dir. The joint operation was launched after intelligence reports confirmed the presence of a terrorist group in the mountainous terrain of the district.
Background of the Operation
According to a CTD press release, the group had recently attacked the Badwan Bridge police check post, resulting in the martyrdom of Constable Muhammad Ismail. Following the attack, CTD and district police immediately cordoned off the area. When the terrorists emerged from their hideouts intending to carry out another attack, security personnel moved to apprehend them. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the police parties, prompting retaliatory action in self-defence.
Exchange of Fire and Casualties
The exchange of fire continued for a considerable period before security forces gained the upper hand. A subsequent search operation confirmed six terrorists dead. Three of the killed were identified as Khalilur Rehman alias Saddam, Najmuddin alias Abu Janah, and Kifayatullah, while the identities of the remaining three were being determined. Six Kalashnikovs, three hand grenades, and numerous rounds of ammunition were recovered from their possession, the CTD release noted.
Wanted Terrorists and Ongoing Search
According to the release, all six were wanted by the CTD in multiple terrorism cases. A joint search operation remained underway in the area to apprehend their escaped accomplices. K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the performance of the CTD and district police, stating that operations would continue with full force until terrorism was eliminated from the province and the writ of the state was maintained at all costs.
Official Statements
Meanwhile, the additional IG CTD vowed that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain and that every possible measure would be taken to protect the lives and property of the public. He added that all wanted terrorists would be brought to justice. In a separate post on social media, the Ministry of Interior noted that Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the "brave sons" who foiled the Khawarij's "impure intentions," adding that the minister stated, "the nation is proud of the brave young men of the CTD and the police."
Broader Counter-Terrorism Context
K-P remains a key focus of the country's counter-terrorism efforts, with security forces regularly conducting intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against militants. The province witnessed a significant rise in militant violence last year, with more than 500 attacks reported, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous year. According to a security assessment, K-P recorded 1,588 terrorism-related incidents, underscoring the growing militant threat across both settled and tribal districts.
Despite the increase in attacks, security forces reportedly thwarted 320 major strikes, while 137 police personnel were killed in the line of duty. The report said joint operations by the K-P Police, the CTD, and other security agencies led to the arrest of 1,244 suspected militants, while 420 militants were killed in IBOs.
