Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have eliminated five terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations, marking a significant blow to militant networks in the province. The successful strikes in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts come as part of an intensified crackdown following recent deadly attacks on police personnel.
Details of the Twin Operations
In the first operation, Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials conducted a targeted search and strike in the Pardal Begukhel area of Lakki Marwat district. The engagement resulted in the deaths of three identified terrorists: Muhammad Nazir alias Mujahid, Fawadullah alias Moaz, and Afnan Khan alias Afnani.
According to senior police officials, Nazir was actively involved in the killings of traffic constables and a CTD official. His accomplices, Fawadullah and Afnan Khan, were also wanted for their roles in attacks on security forces. From the scene, security personnel recovered a Kalashnikov, two 9mm pistols, multiple mobile phones, and cards linked to banned organizations.
Fierce Resistance in Bannu
A second, simultaneous operation was carried out in the Baka Khel area of Bannu district. Acting on confirmed intelligence, forces targeted a terrorist hideout. Two suspects inside the hideout offered fierce resistance but were ultimately killed in the exchange of fire.
Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, commended the CTD and Lakki police for their precise and effective actions. He stated that the province has become inhospitable terrain for terrorists and affirmed that security operations will continue without pause until the last terrorist is eliminated and public safety is assured.
Context of Recent Violence
These counter-terrorism operations were launched just one day after a tragic series of attacks on police. In two separate incidents, unidentified gunmen killed four police personnel on duty.
The first ambush occurred on the Dera-Bannu Road in Lakki district, where terrorists on a motorcycle opened fire on traffic police. Naurang Traffic Police In-charge Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah, and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot.
In a separate attack within the jurisdiction of Mandan Police Station in Bannu district, gunmen fired upon police personnel, resulting in the martyrdom of another constable. The swift intelligence-based operations that followed are seen as a direct and forceful response to these assaults.
The recovery of weapons and communication devices is expected to aid in further investigations, potentially leading to more breakthroughs in dismantling terrorist networks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
