Security forces have launched a major counter-terrorism offensive across the mountainous border regions of Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai, Lower Kurram, and Karak, targeting militant hideouts in a sweeping ground-and-air operation that has, so far, eliminated at least 15 terrorists, according to Regional Police Officer (RPO) Abbas Majeed Marwat.
The ongoing operation, now in its tenth day, involves coordinated action by over 200 personnel from the Pakistan Army and local police. Multiple militant positions have been destroyed in the border areas, particularly in Chappri, Kundao, Shanawari, Zargari, and Naryab, with gunship helicopters shelling key strongholds and forcing militants to flee into heavily forested terrain.
“Several hideouts have been destroyed, and numerous terrorists have sustained injuries during engagements,” RPO Marwat confirmed, adding that militants were seen retreating into mountainous jungle zones under aerial assault.
A parallel operation is underway in Koh-e-Maidan, a former no-go area in Karak district, where forces are conducting search and clear missions. Authorities now report that the area has been successfully cleared of terrorist presence.
The offensive is specifically targeting members and facilitators of Khawarij-linked terrorist cells, believed to be using the tribal terrain for regrouping and launching sporadic attacks.
The RPO noted that 15 terrorists have been killed so far in strikes across Hangu, Karak, Orakzai, and Kurram, while “many others” have been injured. The operation continues with the objective of fully neutralising militant infrastructure and securing the inter-district border zones.
