A large-scale joint operation against militants in the Sheikh Niazi Korona area of Takhti Khel in Lakki Marwat resulted in the killing of four terrorists and injuries to several others after hours of intense gunfire, officials said.
According to police sources, the operation was launched after credible information was received about the presence of militants belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij in the area. Acting on the intelligence, Lakki Marwat police, members of the Takhti Khel peace committee, and local residents jointly moved into the locality to neutralize the threat.
The operation was carried out under the directives of Bannu Region RPO Sajjad Khan, with Lakki Marwat District Police Officer Nazir Khan leading the effort. The operation also involved SP Investigation Murad Khan, DSP Naurang Saeed Khan, and SHO Naurang Ismatullah Niazi.
A heavy police contingent, along with personnel from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Al-Burq Force, Elite Force, armored personnel carriers (APCs), and volunteers of the Takhti Khel peace committee, cordoned off the area shortly after arriving at the site.
Officials said the militants opened fire as the security forces and volunteers closed in, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that continued for several hours. Both small and heavy weapons were used during the clash.
Police officials said members of the peace committee and local youth fought alongside law enforcement personnel and displayed “extraordinary courage” while confronting the militants.
As a result of the fierce firefight, four militants were killed and several others were wounded. The remaining militants fled the area, abandoning their hideouts.
During the operation, security forces destroyed militant hideouts where explosives and other war materials had been stored. Police also recovered several motorcycles and other equipment left behind by the fleeing militants.
Officials said the militants suffered significant losses in both manpower and material during the operation.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed praised the bravery of the Lakki Marwat police, members of the Takhti Khel peace committee, and local residents for their role in the successful operation.
He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police were playing a frontline role in the fight against terrorism and that close cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local communities was proving vital in thwarting militant activities.
The IGP added that the courage displayed by police personnel and local volunteers sent a clear message that there was no space for terrorists on the soil of Lakki Marwat. He also commended the officers, personnel, and peace committee volunteers who took part in the operation.
