In the wake of sustained and successful operations by security forces, and local tribes’ resistance, across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij have been thrown into disarray, suffering repeated and humiliating defeats. Now increasingly unable to confront security forces directly, the militants have resorted to targeting soft targets, a desperate tactic that continues to backfire.
The most recent incident unfolded in Bannu, where terrorists attempted to abduct an official of the Water and Sanitation Services Program (WSSP) from his residence in the Boland, Kausar Fatah Khel area of Mandan police jurisdiction. However, the attempt failed due to the official’s vigilance, timely response, and the courage of local residents.
According to sources, the attackers arrived in a pickup vehicle and on a motorcycle, posing as police officers. They called the WSSP official to come outside. Suspecting foul play, the official observed the situation from the rooftop and recognised that the supposed policemen were in fact armed militants.
He immediately opened aerial fire to alert the neighbourhood, prompting the terrorists to retaliate. Hearing the gunfire, local residents also began firing in support, forcing the attackers to retreat under pressure. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Police later arrived at the scene, tightened security in the area, and launched a formal investigation into the attempted abduction.
This failed attack is being seen as yet another sign of panic and strategic collapse within the Khawarij network, which has recently suffered a series of devastating losses:
Three days ago in Bannu, Khawarij fled and took refuge in a village, a tactic they have long been using to use the locals as human shields, after they were pushed back by joint resistance from police and civilians.
In Pirdul Khel, two Khawarij were neutralized in a local operation.
Simultaneously, terror plots in multiple parts of the province were thwarted, while cross-border infiltration attempts in Khyber and Bajaur also ended in failure. Security forces confirmed that four militants were killed in Bajaur and one in Khyber; the latter later identified as an Afghan national.
Just a day ago, security forces conducted a large-scale operation in North Waziristan, eliminating 15 militants linked to the banned Hafiz Gul Bahadur group during a failed attack, and recovering three bodies.
That same evening in Karak, forces successfully neutralized 18 terrorists belonging to the Mullah Nazir faction.
As a result of these ongoing operations, the Khawarij, who once relied on fear, ambushes, and hidden sanctuaries, now face increasing resistance and exposure. Security sources believe this pressure is leading them to lash out by targeting civilians and soft targets in frustration.
But even these attempts are now being defeated by a united front of the Pakistani people and their security forces, both of whom have adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism.
From tribal elders to urban residents, the message is clear: the era of fear is over. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like those in Balochistan, are not only refusing to be intimidated, they are rising to protect their communities and drive terrorists out completely.
Security officials have reaffirmed their commitment to intensify intelligence-based operations, while locals continue to stand firm against any attempt to destabilise the region.
