Terrorist commander killed in Swat IBO

The security forces have killed the former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat group commander, who was infamous for whipping women, in an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Swat.

According to details, on Sept 7, 2023, based on a tip-off, Pakistan Army and the Counter Terrorism Department conducted a successful IBO in Fizagat area of Swat. Former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat commander Naik Muhammad alias Niko alias Umar was killed during the operation.

The slain terrorist commander was a close aide of former Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat chief Mullah Fazlullah and the leader of the whipping team of the group in the early days of militancy in Swat.

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Naik Muhammad was also involved in dozens of terror activities against security forces in Swat during the height of militancy. After ‘Operation Rah-e-Rast’ in Swat, Naik Muhammad escaped to Afghanistan with his family members.

Earlier this year, he had snuck back into Swat with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) formation and started targeted killing of police officials. Along with this, the terrorist commander also started receiving extortion for the TTP.

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In June 2023, the terrorist commander along with his other accomplices brutally targeted two police constables near the Mingora vegetable market. In a bid to disrupt the law and order situation in Swat, the terrorist commander carried out suicide attacks and planned to target the DPO through an improvised explosive device explosion.

Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies are active to eradicate any individual or organisation involved in terrorism in Swat Valley.