Sources say security operations proved effective in dismantling terrorist networks, restricting their movement
Security forces pictured during a patrol. — FILE PHOTO
Security forces killed one terrorist during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P’s) Bannu district, security sources said on Monday.
The operation was carried out based on confirmed intelligence, the sources said, adding that security forces were maintaining close surveillance on the movement and presence of Fitna al-Khawarij in the area.
Fitna al–Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The operation was part of ongoing security efforts under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision to counter terrorism in the province, according to the sources. They said security operations had proved effective in dismantling terrorist networks and restricting their movement.
Security forces remained committed to eliminating terrorism from K-P, the sources said, adding that operations would continue until the last terrorist was eliminated.
Read: Security forces kill 11 terrorists in separate Balochistan, K-P operations
Earlier this month, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.
On September 19, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.
In a separate incident, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, while eight terrorists were killed.
Read More: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P’s Hangu
According to two security reports presented to the federal cabinet yesterday, terrorist incidents in K-P increased by 195% between March 1, 2024, and September 23, 2026, while drone attacks rose sharply, with the provincial police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) facing serious shortages of modern weapons, operational equipment and trained personnel.
The reports, prepared by the K-P police and intelligence agencies, were presented by Director General Intelligence Bureau (IB) Fuad Asadullah. According to the reports, the sharp rise in terrorist attacks over the past two years had become a serious security challenge for the province.
They attributed the worsening situation to terrorist elements based in Afghanistan, local facilitators, what they described as the provincial government’s flawed policies and its soft approach towards militants, as well as inadequate preparedness and counterterrorism measures at the provincial level.
The reports said 73% of terrorist attacks recorded in K-P during 2026 targeted police and security personnel, underscoring the growing pressure on law enforcement agencies.
