Terrorist behind attack on foreigners' convoy neutralised in Swat IBO

Security forces have killed two terrorists, including a key ringleader, in an intelligence-based operation in Swat’s Charbagh area, military officials stated.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to root out terrorism in the region.

According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of October 4 and 5 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Swat district.

The operation led to an intense exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of terrorists' ringleader Ataullah Mehran and another Khawariji. A third terrorist was captured in wounded condition.

Ataullah Mehran was reportedly involved in multiple terrorist activities, including the September 22, 2024, attack on a police van accompanying a convoy of foreign diplomats.

The ISPR stated that the operation was aimed at eliminating terrorists in the area to ensure long-term peace.

The military remains committed to eradicating terrorism from the country, working closely with law enforcement agencies to dismantle militant networks, the statement added.

Diplomatic escort hit by IED in Swat- September 22, 2024

A policeman was martyred and four others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting a police van escorting a group of diplomats near the tourist spot of Malam Jabba in the Swat district on 22 September.

The foreign ministry in Islamabad confirmed the IED blast in a statement, assuring that "all members of the diplomatic corps" returned safely to Islamabad. The local police chief reported that the IED was detonated via remote control.

Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Zahidullah Khan said that the diplomats were visiting the Swat Valley on the invitation of the local chamber of commerce to promote it as a potential tourist destination. "The squad leading the convoy was struck by a roadside bomb," he said.

"As a result, one policeman, Burhan, was martyred. The foreign delegation was safe in the attack," he added.

The DPO stated that four other policemen, including Constable Hussain Gul, Sarzameen and Amanullah were seriously injured in the blast, who had been shifted to Saidu Sharif Hospital for medical assistance.

Sources said that the police mobile van was participating in the protocol of nearly a dozen diplomats, who were en route from Malam Jabba.