Security forces on Thursay killed a Khawarij operative during a fierce exchange of fire in the Nurar area of Bannu district, as he attempted to flee under the cover of a burqa. In a parallel action, the residence of notorious Khawarij commander Qari Niaz was demolished as part of an ongoing intelligence-based operation targeting the banned group’s network.
According to official sources, a joint operation was launched by security forces and police in the Miryan subdivision after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of high-profile Khawarij members. As the cordon tightened, several suspects attempted to escape in disguise, wearing burqas to evade identification.
When challenged by police personnel, the Khawarij opened indiscriminate fire. Law enforcement retaliated with precision, resulting in the killing of one assailant. No casualties were reported among the police or security forces.
Immediately following the incident, all entry and exit routes of the area were sealed off, and an extensive search operation was launched. Security forces conducted house-to-house searches to flush out any remaining militants and disrupt the group’s support infrastructure.
During the operation, the house of Qari Niaz, a wanted Khawarij commander linked to multiple acts of terrorism and subversion in the region, was razed to the ground. His network had long posed a threat to peace and stability in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating all threats posed by the Khawarij and restoring lasting peace in the region. “Those who disguise themselves to flee justice or hide behind religion to challenge the state will be dealt with mercilessly. This operation will continue until the last den of the Khawarij is dismantled,” a senior security official said. The area remains under strict surveillance, and further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend facilitators linked to the group.
