Security forces, police, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) carried out a series of major operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 30 terrorists, including several high-profile commanders.
The forces foiled multiple attacks in the Bannu region, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan. Officials said the militants killed included 13 Indian-sponsored terrorists, with operations continuing under a strict state directive to eliminate all anti-peace elements.
According to security sources, forces neutralized 13 Indian-sponsored terrorists in a fresh wave of intelligence-based operations.
These militants, described as threats to regional stability, were engaged in various violent activities across KP.
The operations were part of an expanded counterterrorism effort aimed at dismantling networks linked to foreign-backed militants.
In Lakki Marwat, security forces killed 10 terrorists, including several high-value individuals. Among the slain terrorists were Niaz Ali, Abdullah alias Shponkoi, Commander Rasool alias Ariana.
Officials confirmed that these commanders had been involved in multiple attacks across the region.
Three militants killed in Dera Ismail Khan
Security forces also conducted targeted action in Dera Ismail Khan, killing three Khawarij.
Authorities described the operation as swift and precise, saying the militants “became a lesson” following their attempts to regroup in the area.
Police, CTD intensify operations in Bannu
The Peshawar Police and CTD, operating across multiple locations in the Bannu region, confirmed killing 17 terrorists, including three important commanders, and injuring several others.
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A large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered during these operations.
Operation Sherikhel
Ten terrorists were killed in the Sherikhel area, while five others were injured. A facilitator was also arrested.
Nasr Khel operation
CTD teams killed a most-wanted terrorist, eliminating what officials described as a “key operational threat.”
Domail operation and CTD retaliation
In the Domail area, police confirmed the killing of six terrorists during a targeted operation. The terrorists attempted an assault on CTD personnel, but six of them were eliminated in CTD’s retaliatory action, preventing a major attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed said the operations represent a renewed counterterrorism push.
“Terrorists will be chased to their secret hideouts,” the IG vowed. He added that the campaign will continue “until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
Bannu police foil major terror plot
Meanwhile, the Bannu police successfully thwarted a major terrorist attack on a bridge on Saturday in Basiya Khel, a suburb of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the district police officer, terrorists had planted an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing approximately 8–10kg, concealed in a bucket, on the central pillar of the bridge. The timely intervention of police and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) prevented a potentially devastating explosion.
The Squad safely defused and later carried out a controlled detonation of the IED, foiling the terrorists’ plan. No casualties were reported, and further investigation into the incident is underway.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan is once again experiencing a surge in proxy conflict. He did not name specific groups but, speaking in Samaa TV programme 'Meray Sawal', emphasized that militant networks operating across the border are becoming more active.
He linked the resurgence in terrorism to earlier strategic choices that gave the Taliban space and influence, saying these decisions have come full circle to haunt Pakistan.
