Sixteen Terrorists Killed in Security Operations Across Three Provinces

Published at: December 2, 2024 5:45 AM

Updated at: December 2, 2024 1:13 PM

At least 16 terrorists were killed and four law enforcement personnel, including two army men, were martyred in separate gun battles across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab provinces over the weekend.

In an intelligence-based operation in Baka Khel, Bannu district, security forces killed five militants while nine others were injured. During the operation, 29-year-old sepoy Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of Jhang, embraced martyrdom. According to the military's media wing, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in the region.

In another significant operation, three terrorists were killed and two others arrested in Shagai, district Khyber. The military reported that during an intense exchange of fire, Captain Muhammad Zohaibuddin, 25, from Lahore, led his troops from the front and made the ultimate sacrifice. The captain’s bravery and leadership were recognized as he gave his life for the mission.

Local sources reported that one of the terrorists killed in the Khyber operation was involved in the killing of journalist Khalil Jibran earlier in June this year, highlighting the targeted nature of the operation.

Police Attacks and Casualties

In Lakki Marwat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a police officer was martyred during a shootout with militants who attacked a police station in Darra Pezu town. The attackers, armed with automatic weapons, attempted to breach the station but were repulsed by the police. The gun battle lasted for nearly an hour, resulting in the martyrdom of Kiramatullah, a police official. His body was later taken to the police lines for funeral prayers after medical formalities.

In Punjab, a separate incident occurred at Chapri police station in Mianwali, where a group of 20 militants armed with rocket launchers and hand grenades launched an attack. However, the police successfully repelled the assault after an hour of intense fighting. Four militants were killed during the exchange, while two police officials sustained injuries. The attackers were found dead after the area was combed by police forces. Militants have launched several attacks on police stations in Mianwali over the years, particularly in Isakhel tehsil.

Additional Attacks on Law Enforcement

Elsewhere, in Mardan, a police van was attacked by unidentified assailants in the Paharpur area. During the attack, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mir Ghulam Marwat was martyred, and two constables, Rauf and Yousuf, were injured. The wounded officers were quickly transported to local hospitals, with the more seriously injured being transferred to D.I. Khan for further treatment.

On the same night, a police check-post in the Sur Dagar area of the merged tribal tehsil Darazinda was targeted by unidentified gunmen. One policeman was injured in the attack and was taken to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

Sherani District Operation

In Balochistan’s Sherani district, four suspected militants were killed in a gun battle with security forces. The operation in Mughal Kot was launched based on intelligence about the presence of armed militants in the area. During the subsequent shootout, four suspects were killed, and several others were reported injured. Authorities confirmed that the terrorists involved in the attack belonged to a banned organization and were reportedly from Afghanistan. The bodies of the militants were taken to a nearby health facility for further identification.

These operations reflect the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of citizens across Pakistan, despite facing significant challenges.