A joint intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police in the Kechi Kamar area of Dadiwala, District Lakki Marwat, resulted in the killing of at least two militants on Monday. The slain individuals were identified as Hanzala, also known as Sharyar, and Afnan, alias Pan Bhawali, both described by security officials as TTP target killers.
According to official sources, the operation was part of a wider security action launched after militants were surrounded by law enforcement agencies a day earlier. During continued engagement on Monday, the remaining seven terrorists—who had been trapped following the killing of six others—were also neutralized, bringing the total number of militants eliminated in the operation to thirteen.
Amid these developments, a separate and tragic incident was reported from Lakki Marwat, where an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) of the police came under attack in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. Police sources said the explosive had been planted along the Darra Tang Bridge and detonated as the police vehicle crossed the area.
Several police personnel sustained injuries in the blast and were immediately shifted to a nearby medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Authorities revealed that the targeted route is routinely used by senior police officials. At the time of the attack, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Lakki Marwat was on an inspection visit of police check posts and was also expected to pass through the same route, underscoring the serious security implications of the incident.
Security officials further disclosed that a lawyer had been abducted by unidentified armed men from the same area a day earlier, raising concerns about a coordinated attempt to create instability through criminal and terrorist activity.
Following the explosion, law enforcement agencies swiftly cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search and investigation operation. Bomb disposal and forensic teams were dispatched to the site to collect evidence and determine the nature of the explosive device used.
Senior police officials strongly condemned the attack, terming it an act of desperation, and reiterated that such incidents would not deter security forces from continuing counterterrorism operations. Additional security measures have since been implemented across the district, particularly along sensitive routes and installations.
An investigation into the IED attack is currently underway, and authorities have assured that that responsible will be identified and brought to justice. The militants killed in the operation were confirmed to be TTP target killers.
