PESHAWAR: Security forces neutralised 17 militants among them three high-value commanders during a series of coordinated operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Saturday.
The joint actions, involving the Pakistan Army, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), were carried out in multiple areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat. A substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, delivering a significant blow to local factions of the so-called Khawarij militant network.
In Sheri Khel and Paka Pahar Khel, at least 10 militants were killed and five others injured in an intense engagement. Security personnel also arrested a facilitator involved in aiding the group. While seven bodies were retrieved, three remained unreachable due to the rugged mountainous terrain.
Among the dead were two notorious commanders Niaz Ali, alias Akasha, and Abdullah, also known as Shapankoi both long wanted by law-enforcement agencies.
Another militant was killed during an operation in the Nasarkhel area of Lakki Marwat, where local peace committees assisted police and the CTD in tracking down the suspects. Community members actively supported the security forces, reflecting growing public resolve against extremist groups.
In Bannu’s Hawaid locality, police and peace committee members confronted militants who eventually fled after a brief exchange of fire.
Separately, militants belonging to the Khawarij faction opened fire on a police unit in Domail. This triggered an eight-hour joint operation by Bannu police, CTD, and security forces, which ended with six militants killed and many others injured. A large stockpile of weapons was seized, and one of the dead was identified as Rasool, also feared as Commander Aryana — a key figure in the militant outfit.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid lauded the coordinated efforts of the security forces, CTD, and Bannu region police, reaffirming that the fight against extremist elements will continue until complete peace is restored.
