MIRANSHAH/TIMARGARA: Six suspected terrorists were killed during a joint operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and district police in the mountainous Barchari area of Talash, Lower Dir, on Wednesday morning, police officials confirmed. In a separate incident, unidentified armed men kidnapped seven police personnel, including the station house officer (SHO) of Sararogha Police Station, in the volatile Upper South Waziristan district on the same day.
Lower Dir Operation Details
The CTD stated that the operation was launched based on intelligence reports indicating a group of terrorists was hiding in a remote mountainous area of Lower Dir. The suspects were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities, including a recent attack on the Badwan Bridge police check post where Constable Muhammad Ismail was martyred. According to the CTD, security agencies had intensified search operations following that attack.
Acting on fresh intelligence regarding the terrorists' movements, law enforcement agencies conducted a targeted operation. Officials said when security personnel attempted to apprehend the suspects, they opened fire, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that continued for some time. After the firing ceased, security forces conducted a search and clearance operation and recovered six bodies from the site.
The deceased were identified as Khalilur Rehman alias Saddam, Najmuddin alias Abu Jana, Kifayatullah, Ismat, Abdul Hamid, and Sulaiman. Authorities did not disclose their residential addresses. The bodies were initially shifted to Category-D Hospital in Talash before being transferred to the Timergara Police Lines. Sources said the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Timergara later arranged their burial in a local graveyard.
Recovered Weapons and Ongoing Search
Authorities claimed that the slain suspects were wanted in multiple terrorism-related cases and were allegedly involved in several attacks on security forces in the region. Police recovered six Kalashnikov rifles, three hand grenades, and a large quantity of ammunition from the terrorists' possession. A search operation remained underway to trace and apprehend other members of the group who reportedly escaped during the encounter.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD and district police for the successful operation and reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuing counterterrorism efforts across the province. The CTD's additional inspector general also commended the personnel who participated and maintained that those involved in terrorist activities would be brought to justice.
Background of Security Concerns in Lower Dir
The operation comes amid growing security concerns in Lower Dir, where attacks targeting law enforcement personnel have continued in recent weeks. On June 18, Constable Muhammad Ismail was killed when terrorists attacked the Badwan Bridge police check post in the Adenzai area. On the same day, in a separate incident in Jandol, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police officers on duty, leaving traffic police officials Sajjad and Madaaruddin critically injured. Officials said the latest operation forms part of broader efforts by security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further attacks.
Abduction of Police Personnel in Upper South Waziristan
In a separate incident on Wednesday, unidentified armed terrorists kidnapped seven police personnel, including the station house officer (SHO) of Sararogha Police Station, in Upper South Waziristan. The abducted officials include SHO Ahmad Shah and two members of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). The others are driver Hazrat Umar, gunners Tariq, Kaleem and Abdullah Shah, and BDU personnel Abdul Razzaq and Ibrahim.
Confirming the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Arshad Khan said a police team accompanied by the BDU was dispatched to the remote Partogai area of Sararogha tehsil to neutralise suspected unexploded explosive material. After successfully disposing of the explosives and completing the operation, the team was returning to the police station in an official vehicle when unidentified armed men intercepted them, took the personnel hostage, and shifted them to an unknown location.
Search Operation and Response
According to police sources, the abduction occurred roughly six kilometers from the Sararogha Police Station. Initial reports suggest the attackers were lying in ambush and struck as the team was returning after completing its assignment. Immediately after receiving information, police and security forces launched a massive search operation in the area. Roadblocks have been established on key mountainous routes and entry-exit points to restrict the movement of the kidnappers.
“The safe recovery of the abducted personnel is our top priority,” DPO Khan said. “All available resources are being utilised for this purpose. We have also registered a formal case and an investigation from multiple angles is underway.”
The incident has triggered widespread concern among locals. Tribal elders, community leaders, and civil society representatives have urged the government and security agencies to take immediate and effective steps for the safe and early release of the kidnapped officers. The kidnapping comes amid a noticeable spike in terrorism and lawlessness in Upper South Waziristan over the past two weeks. Several firing incidents have been reported recently, resulting in casualties and injuries. Residents say the deteriorating security situation has heightened the sense of insecurity in the area.
