18 Khawarij killed in North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat and Data Khel

LAKKI MARWAT: Security forces killed 18 Indian-backed Khawarij in Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan and Data Khel areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during an intelligence-based operation, security sources said on Friday.

According to sources, the operation was carried out on October 16 following credible intelligence about the presence of militants operating as Afghan Taliban proxies in the region.

Security forces launched aerial and ground surveillance in Sultan Khel and Tofan Wala areas, during which the movement of militants was detected, prompting a swift operation.

During the engagement, eight most-wanted Khawarij were killed. A large cache of weapons and explosives was recovered from their possession, the sources added.

Meanwhile, security forces foiled a militant attack on their camp in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, killing four attackers including a suicide bomber, while six more militants were eliminated in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Datta Khel, security sources said.

According to security officials, militants attempted a suicide attack on a security forces’ camp in Mir Ali. One attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the camp’s boundary wall, triggering a powerful blast, while three others tried to storm the compound.

Troops responded swiftly, killing all three attackers outside the camp. No loss was reported on the side of the security forces, the sources added.

In a separate operation in the Tang Kali area of Datta Khel, security forces killed six militants, including a key commander identified as Mehboob alias Muhammad, during an intelligence-based raid.

The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated militant movement in the surrounding areas. Security forces maintained surveillance for eight to ten days before engaging the suspects on October 16. During the exchange of fire, six militants were killed and three others injured, according to the sources.

Security officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to eliminate anti-state elements and restore lasting peace in the region.

Security officials further said that a total of 102 militants sent by the Afghan Taliban had been eliminated over the past four days.

Operations under the National Action Plan continue across the country with the joint efforts of the public and security forces to eradicate terrorism, the sources said.

Meanwhile, an unregistered camp housing dozens of Afghan nationals has reportedly been discovered in Islamabad’s Sohan Zone, raising serious security concerns over alleged illegal activity and weak enforcement.

According to official sources, several individuals residing in the makeshift settlement, consisting of tents and temporary shelters, are suspected of working as facilitators for land-grabbing networks operating across the twin cities. Intelligence agencies have already alerted Islamabad Police to suspicious movements linked to these individuals, noting that they frequently travel across the capital late at night in various vehicles.

Sources have also questioned the performance of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Islamabad, claiming that no concrete action has been taken despite repeated intelligence alerts.

When contacted, Islamabad Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said that decisions regarding the presence, movement, and regulation of Afghan nationals fall under the jurisdiction of the district administration, adding that police only provide operational support when required. “The district administration is best positioned to comment on this matter,” he stated.