A high-stakes, intelligence-based joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Elite Force and District Police Shangla in the treacherous mountainous belt of Kabal Gram resulted in the elimination of three terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), including a most-wanted ringleader carrying a bounty of Rs5 million. The fierce exchange of fire claimed the lives of three police personnel, while one Elite Force official sustained injuries. The operation thwarted a serious threat to key national infrastructure and projects linked to Chinese interests.
The coordinated offensive was launched under the leadership of senior CTD officers after confirmed intelligence reports revealed the presence of a structured terrorist network operating from natural caves in the rugged terrain of Kabal Gram. The group was reportedly enjoying local facilitation and had established hideouts in nearly inaccessible mountainous formations.
Security officials disclosed that the terrorists were involved in previous Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attacks targeting Chinese nationals. Given the area’s proximity to the strategic Silk Route corridor, their presence posed a grave and sustained threat to critical road infrastructure and Chinese-funded development projects in the region.
As law enforcement personnel advanced towards the caves, they came under heavy fire, triggering an intense gun battle. During the exchange, three terrorists were killed. Among them was Noor Islam alias Salman alias Khog Bacha, son of Zaman Wali, a resident of Kabal Gram and identified as a key commander of Fitna al-Khawarij. He carried a head money of Rs5 million. Another terrorist was killed but remains unidentified, with the identification process underway. The third terrorist detonated himself in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
Following the initial engagement, remaining terrorists took cover beneath a steep slope, making direct targeting extremely difficult. When CTD and Elite Force personnel advanced strategically to apprehend them, additional accomplices launched a coordinated assault using rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic weapons in an attempt to facilitate the escape of their associates. Security forces responded with precision and repulsed the attack, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
In the line of duty, three courageous policemen embraced martyrdom. The fallen heroes have been identified as LHC Maqbool Ahmed (No. 438), LHC Fida Hussain, and LHC Saeed ur Rehman. An Elite Force official was also injured during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Officials stated that the dismantling of this organized terrorist network confirms that the group was actively planning to target strategic infrastructure in the region. Timely and decisive action by the security forces successfully foiled these designs. A comprehensive search and clearance operation remains ongoing in the area, with heightened vigilance maintained to eliminate any remaining threats.
Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed paid tribute to the martyred and injured personnel, praising their bravery and unwavering commitment. He reaffirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have never retreated in the face of terrorism and continue to render sacrifices for the safety and security of the nation.
