KP CTD Kills Six Suspected Terrorists in Two Operations

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department said six suspected terrorists were killed in two separate intelligence-led operations, marking another major security action in the province amid continuing threats to law enforcement and civilians.

According to CTD statements issued late Tuesday, the operations were carried out in Kohat and Charsadda after security teams received information about militant movement and planned attacks. Officials said the suspects belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by the state for militants linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

In the first operation, the Kohat CTD said intelligence indicated that armed suspects had set up a checkpoint on Shakardara Road and were allegedly planning to block or target movement by law enforcement personnel. A Special Weapons and Tactics team was sent to the area after the warning was received.

The CTD said the suspects opened fire when personnel reached the location, triggering an exchange in which three suspected terrorists were killed. Officials said assault rifles, magazines and ammunition were recovered from the site, while some accomplices managed to escape during the operation.

A second action was launched after the Mardan CTD received information that a group of suspected militants was moving from Mohmand district toward Charsadda to carry out attacks. Security teams positioned themselves near Shabqadar and attempted to intercept the group.

The department said the suspects fired at CTD personnel, leading to another gun battle. After the firing stopped, officials searched the area and found three suspects dead. They were identified by the CTD as Hayat Khan alias Hayatullah, Asim and Aminullah alias Muawiya alias Qari.

Preliminary findings shared by officials linked the slain suspects to multiple terrorism and targeted killing cases. One of them was described as a proclaimed offender wanted in the killing of religious scholar Maulana Izzatullah, while another was accused of involvement in attacks on police personnel and religious figures in Khyber district.

The CTD said three Kalashnikovs and hand grenades were recovered during the Charsadda operation. Search efforts were continuing in surrounding areas to trace other suspects who allegedly fled during the exchange of fire.

The operations come as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face repeated militant attacks, especially in districts bordering former tribal regions and Afghanistan-linked routes. Police stations, security convoys, religious leaders and local peace figures have frequently been targeted, increasing pressure on provincial security agencies to act on intelligence before attacks occur.

For Pakistan, the latest CTD action underlines the continuing challenge of internal security at a time when Muharram security arrangements, border management and counterterrorism coordination remain national priorities. The coming days will show whether follow-up operations lead to further arrests and whether authorities can prevent retaliatory attacks in vulnerable districts.