PESHAWAR: Four suspected terrorists belonging to the Commander Zahid Group were killed during a joint intelligence-based operation conducted by police in the Khattak Dam border area of Karak district, the Central Police Office (CPO) said.
According to the CPO, the operation was launched on the basis of intelligence reports, during which the suspected militants opened fire on police personnel. Security forces retaliated, killing all four terrorists after an intense exchange of gunfire.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the operation and commended the performance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, describing it as a successful action against what he termed “India-sponsored terrorists”. He said law enforcement agencies remained determined to eliminate terrorism and protect the country.
Police said the killed militants were allegedly involved in attacks that resulted in the deaths of DSP Asad Mahmood, Sub-Inspector Anar Gul, SHO Umar Nawaz and Inspector Tahir Nawaz.
Following the operation, police cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search operation to ensure the presence of any other suspects was ruled out.
Authorities said efforts were under way to identify the deceased militants and gather further details regarding their criminal backgrounds and involvement in previous terrorist activities.
Inspector General of KP Police Zulfiqar Hameed said operations against militant elements would continue across the province with full force, reaffirming the department’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and maintaining law and order.
KP Police conducts over 2,000 operations in six months
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has intensified counterterrorism operations amid a rise in militant violence across the province.
According to a performance report released on July 7, the force conducted 2,004 intelligence-based and counterterrorism operations during the first six months of the year, resulting in the arrest of 504 militants and the killing of 182 terrorists.
The report said 14 key commanders linked to Fitna al-Khawarij were among those arrested, while security forces recovered two suicide jackets and 1,771 kilograms of explosives during various operations.
Police faced 294 militant attacks between January and June, successfully repelling 161 of them. Authorities also claimed to have prevented 341 drone attacks through modern anti-drone technology.
The KP Police also established a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division to enhance aerial surveillance and strengthen counterterrorism capabilities.
Beyond counterterrorism operations, police arrested 10,718 suspects in anti-narcotics actions, apprehended 10,173 proclaimed offenders and detained 10,540 individuals during security operations conducted under the National Action Plan.
Cases were also registered against 8,125 illegally residing Afghan nationals, according to the report.
The report highlighted the sacrifices of police personnel, stating that 122 officers and officials embraced martyrdom while performing their duties during the six-month period.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed said protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the top priority of KP Police and directed officers to further strengthen coordination with other law enforcement agencies while maintaining pressure on militant and criminal networks.
