Security forces carried out two successful counterterrorism operations in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing a commander of a banned militant organization in Tank and foiling a major terrorist plot in Kohat, security sources confirmed on Wednesday.
According to officials, the first operation was conducted in Tank district following intelligence reports about the presence of a wanted militant commander. During the operation, the commander, identified as Shaheen alias Babar Malakhel, opened fire on security personnel upon spotting them. Forces returned fire, killing him on the spot.
Security officials said the deceased commander was affiliated with a banned terrorist organization and was involved in multiple acts of militancy in the region. His body was taken into custody, and a search operation was launched in the surrounding area to rule out the presence of any accomplices.
In a separate development, a joint operation by security forces, police, and the Counter Terrorism Department successfully disrupted a major terrorist plan in Kohat.
The operation was carried out at a farmhouse located on the outskirts of the district, where a terrorist cell was reportedly operating in secrecy. During the raid, a large cache of weapons, explosives, and communication equipment was recovered.
Officials said the seized material included two improvised explosive devices, explosive material, IED-making equipment, prima cards, detonators, and two hand grenades. In addition, a sniper rifle, ten magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, medical kits, communication devices, SIM cards, three laptops, three mobile phones, and important documents were also recovered.
According to security sources, the recovered weapons and explosives were intended for use in a large-scale terrorist attack. Timely intelligence-based action, however, prevented potential loss of life and property.
Security agencies reiterated their resolve to continue intelligence-driven operations across the province, stating that any attempt to destabilize law and order would be met with decisive action. Officials stressed that counterterrorism operations would continue without interruption to ensure public safety and regional stability.
