The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has killed two highly wanted militants linked to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-led operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
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According to a CTD statement, the raid was carried out within the jurisdiction of the Gomal police station after receiving credible intelligence about the presence of militants in the area. As CTD personnel moved in, the suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a gun battle that lasted nearly 40 minutes.
Following the exchange, security forces conducted a search of the area and recovered the bodies of both militants. Weapons seized from the scene included two Kalashnikov rifles, six magazines, ammunition, and bandoliers.
Authorities identified the slain individuals as members of the TTP’s Mushtaq faction, allegedly involved in several attacks targeting law enforcement. Their reported crimes include the targeted killing of a head constable, the kidnapping and murder of another policeman, and multiple improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.
The CTD further stated that the militants were also implicated in an हमला on a judges’ convoy in Lakki Marwat in August 2024, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and senior CTD officials praised the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for successfully carrying out the operation. They reiterated that security forces remain committed to maintaining vigilance and continuing operations to eliminate terrorism.
The province has witnessed a notable uptick in militant activity over the past year. Data from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) indicates a sharp rise in violence, with fatalities increasing from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025 — a jump of 711 deaths, representing over 82% of the total national increase and nearly a 44% year-on-year surge.
Earlier this month, six militants were killed in a joint operation by CTD and police in Kohat. In recent weeks, several attacks have also claimed the lives of security personnel, including nine officers in incidents across Bhakkar, Kohat, and Wana, as well as three Federal Constabulary personnel in Karak.
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