The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa eliminated a wanted terrorist commander belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in the Koraai area of Dera Ismail Khan district, according to CTD officials.
The operation was conducted by the CTD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team on the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road near Koraai in the jurisdiction of Shorkot Police Station during the early hours of July 18, 2026.
According to details shared by CTD, its Dera Ismail Khan Region received credible technical intelligence regarding the presence of wanted terrorist Khalid alias Commander, son of Sadozai alias Alozai, a resident of Manizabad, Dera Ismail Khan.
The terrorist was reportedly wanted in several terrorism-related cases, including the targeted killing of CTD Constable Muhammad Ali, who was martyred in an attack on March 17, 2025.
Acting on the intelligence, the CTD SWAT team launched a targeted IBO to apprehend the wanted terrorist. During the operation, security personnel surrounded the suspect and repeatedly called upon him to surrender and cooperate with the authorities.
However, according to CTD officials, the terrorist refused to surrender and opened fire on the raiding team. The CTD personnel responded under the right of self-defence, resulting in the elimination of the terrorist.
Initial investigations revealed that Khalid alias Commander was involved in multiple cases and had been actively evading law enforcement agencies by concealing his identity, changing appearances and adopting different methods of movement to avoid detection.
CTD officials said the eliminated terrorist was associated with the banned TTP’s Zakir Kochi Karwan group. Efforts are underway to identify and take action against his facilitators, financial supporters, logistical handlers and other elements linked to his network.
A search of the site resulted in the recovery of a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a smartphone from the possession of the eliminated terrorist. The recovered items have been secured for forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The operation highlights the continued focus of law enforcement agencies on intelligence-driven actions against terrorist networks operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security institutions have repeatedly emphasized that dismantling terrorist structures requires targeting not only armed operatives but also their facilitators and support networks.
CTD Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reiterated its resolve to continue intelligence-based operations against terrorists, their facilitators and support networks with full professional capability and the use of modern technology to eliminate terrorism from the province.
The latest operation comes amid intensified counterterrorism efforts across southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where security forces and law enforcement agencies have continued actions against terrorist elements involved in attacks on security personnel, civilians and state institutions.
