Four terrorists linked to killings of police officers killed in Karak operation

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, following an intense exchange of gunfire, the Central Police Office (CPO) said.

According to the CPO, the operation was launched on the basis of intelligence, during which the suspects opened fire on police personnel. Security forces retaliated, killing all four militants.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the police for the operation, describing it as a successful action against what he called “India-sponsored terrorists”. He praised the role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and said law enforcement agencies remained determined to eliminate terrorism and safeguard the country.

Police said the slain terrorists were allegedly involved in the killings of DSP Asad Mahmood, Sub-Inspector Anar Gul, SHO Umar Nawaz and Inspector Tahir Nawaz in separate militant attacks. Following the operation, police cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale search operation to ensure no other suspects remained in the vicinity.

Authorities said efforts are underway to formally identify the deceased militants and compile details of their criminal records and involvement in previous attacks.

Inspector General of KP Police 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.

2,004 counterterrorism operations in six months

KP police have significantly intensified counterterrorism operations this year amid a renewed wave of militant violence in 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. Among those detained were 14 key commanders linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, while police recovered two suicide jackets and 1,771 kilogrammes of explosives during various raids.

The report said police faced 294 militant attacks between January and June but successfully repelled 161 of them. Authorities also claimed to have foiled 341 drone attacks using modern anti-drone technology. In a first for Pakistan, the KP Police established a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division to enhance surveillance and support counterterrorism operations.

Beyond militancy, police arrested 10,718 suspects in anti-narcotics operations, 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.

The report noted that 122 police personnel were martyred while performing their duties during the six-month period, underscoring the continuing security challenges in the province.

IG Police Zulfiqar Hameed said protecting lives and property remained the force’s top priority and directed officers to strengthen coordination with other law enforcement agencies while maintaining pressure on militant and criminal networks.