Security forces strike terrorist hideouts in Peshawar outskirts operation

WEB DESK: Pakistani security forces have conducted a successful joint intelligence-based operation against militants linked to the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by authorities as Fitna al Khwarij, in the hilly Hassan Khel area on the outskirts of Peshawar and Kohat.

The coordinated raid, involving the army, police, Frontier Corps, and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), was launched following intelligence reports of militant presence in the region, which has seen a spate of attacks on law enforcement personnel in recent months, according to Dawn News.

Joint operation targets militant positions

A senior official said the military, paramilitary Frontier Corps, police, and CTD carried out the offensive in the Hassan Khel subdivision.

During an exchange of fire, several militants were injured and many were believed to have been killed, while their hideouts were destroyed.

The operation was supervised by Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Dr Mian Saeed Ahmed, along with senior military officials and SSP Operations Farhan Khan. Drone technology was used effectively, with anti-drone guns deployed to counter potential militant attacks and sharpshooters equipped with sniper rifles taking part.

In addition to regular forces, the police’s anti-terrorism squad and elite units participated. Law enforcement personnel also repaired government property, including a gas pipeline damaged by militants in the area.

Recent attacks prompt heightened security response

Hassan Khel, which straddles the border between Peshawar and Kohat districts, has been the scene of repeated intelligence-based operations aimed at dismantling militant networks. The latest action follows the abduction and killing of two policemen in the locality last week.

On 13 April, policeman Munsif Azam was martyred after being kidnapped by unidentified armed men; his body was recovered the following day. The incident came just 72 hours after the abduction and killing of another officer, Muqaddar Khan, in the same area.

Earlier, on 8 February, police repelled a militant attack on checkpoints in the nearby Passani village. In November 2023, militants blew up a gas pipeline in the Hameed Khan Machine area, close to a police post.

Security officials have reiterated their commitment to eradicating militancy from the region through sustained joint actions, emphasising the protection of public lives and property against anti-state elements.