At least 18 terrorists were killed during separate counterterrorism operations in Swat and Hangu, while 11 people, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), police personnel, and Village Defence Committee (VDC) volunteers, embraced martyrdom in fierce gun battles, officials said on Thursday.
The operations come amid intensified security efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the Pakistani state refers to as Fitna al Khawarij.
Swat Operation: Six Terrorists Killed
A joint Search and Strike Operation was carried out by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in the mountainous areas of Swat.
According to security officials, six terrorists were killed during intense exchanges of fire. One police officer and four members of the Village Defence Committee (VDC) were martyred while engaging the terrorists.
Several terrorists were also reported injured, although they were evacuated from the area by their accomplices.
Security forces targeted multiple terrorist hideouts during the operation and continued clearance activities to eliminate remaining threats.
The martyred VDC members were identified as Umar Hayat, Gul Zeb, Muhammad Karim, and Akhtar Zeb, while Police Constable Gulfam also embraced martyrdom. Muhammad Karim had previously served as a VDC member and was known for his contributions to maintaining peace in the region.
The bodies of the martyrs were shifted to local hospitals before being handed over to their families for burial.
Hangu Checkpost Attack Leaves DSP Among Martyrs
In a separate incident, terrorists attacked the Khazina Banda Police Checkpost in Hangu district, triggering a fierce gun battle with police forces.
District Police Officer (DPO) Tariq Habib personally supervised the response operation.
According to police officials, 12 terrorists were killed during the ongoing operation. However, the exchange of fire claimed the lives of DSP Diyar Khan and four other police personnel, while DSP Mujahid Hussain and eight police officers sustained injuries.
The injured officials were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Police spokesperson Saqib said terrorists also ambushed reinforcement teams moving toward the checkpost, damaging an armoured personnel carrier. The vehicle carrying DPO Tariq Habib also came under fire but the officer remained unharmed.
Security forces continued clearance operations in the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
Quadcopter Attack on Mosque in North Waziristan
In a separate terrorist incident in North Waziristan, terrorist targeted a mosque with quadcopter in the Tapi Bangash Khel area of Miranshah tehsil.
One civilian, identified as Hakim, was killed in the terrorist attack.
Local police have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the origin of the drone and those responsible.
Explosion Damages Mosque in Kohat
Meanwhile, an explosion damaged Masjid Abu Bakr in the Lachi area of Kohat.
The blast destroyed two rooms of the mosque but no casualties were reported.
Police collected evidence from the scene and initiated an investigation into the incident.
Officials Condemn Terrorist Attacks
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and provincial Information Minister strongly condemned the terrorist attacks.
The leaders paid tribute to the martyred security personnel and offered prayers for the departed souls, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations.
KP Police IG Praises Security Personnel
In an official statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the Khazina Banda police checkpost was attacked by terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khawarij while officers were on duty.
He said police responded with exceptional courage and reinforcements were dispatched immediately. However, the reinforcement convoy was ambushed, resulting in damage to an armoured personnel carrier.
Despite the attack, the IG said police officers displayed bravery and professionalism while defending the checkpost and continuing the operation against the terrorists.
