Security forces, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed at least 36 Khwarij in a series of operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the first week following the imposition of governor’s rule, with operations reported from Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Swat, Orakzai and Tirah.
The operations, conducted between October 11 and 16, targeted cross-border infiltration attempts, terrorist hideouts and wanted commanders, with security personnel recovering weapons and ammunition and dismantling several hideouts.
The reported toll included 12 Khwarij killed while attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan through the Kurram sector on October 11. The attempted infiltration was foiled, preventing the group from crossing into Pakistani territory.
On October 13, separate operations in Lakki Marwat and Bannu resulted in the killing of four and two terrorists, respectively. Three days later, on October 16, security personnel killed wanted commander Zahid Gul in Lakki Marwat. The CTD had identified him as the alleged mastermind of the attack on Kohat Police Lines.
On October 15, a joint intelligence-based operation by police and the CTD in the Sukha Doab area of Swat resulted in the killing of three Khwarij. The operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.
The following day, security operations in Orakzai and Tirah added 14 more Khwarij to the reported death toll. In Orakzai’s Banjali area, a joint operation by police and Orakzai Scouts killed 10 terrorists. In the Akakhel area of Tirah, security personnel killed four Khwarij and wounded eight others during another operation.
In addition to the fatalities, police in Lakki Marwat arrested four wanted Khwarij. Law enforcement personnel also destroyed multiple terrorist hideouts and recovered weapons and ammunition during the operations.
The sequence of operations across several districts highlights the continued counterterrorism pressure on armed groups operating in the province, including those attempting to cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies continue to conduct operations against terrorist networks and their infrastructure.
