Key terrorist commanders killed

Two terrorists, including a local commander, were killed in a clash with the Takhti Khel tribe in Lakki Marwat district, while in separate operations in Upper Dir and Lower Dir, security forces neutralised several terrorists, including key commanders, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to details, the confrontation in Sarai Naurang Tehsil began when terrorists from the Bilal and Mashkoor groups allegedly abducted four young men belonging to the Takhti Khel tribe.

In retaliation, members of the tribe launched an attack on the terrorists, triggering an armed exchange.

During the firefight, terrorist commander Fateh and another insurgent were killed, while one tribesman was injured, local sources said.

Meanwhile, in Upper Dir, a targeted counter-terrorism operation against terrorists entered its third day, resulting in the killing of terrorist commander Sajid and injuries to two policemen.

District Police Officer (DPO) Upper Dir Syed Muhammad Bilal told the media that those killed included two terrorists involved in the August 14 attack on a police van.

He confirmed that ten policemen had been wounded in the operation so far, but said their condition was out of danger. "The operation will continue until the elimination of the last terrorist," he said.

Later, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Malakand Division Sher Akbar, accompanied by DPO Bilal, visited the District Headquarters Hospital in Upper Dir to inquire after the injured personnel.

He presented them with bouquets and instructed hospital staff to provide the best possible medical treatment to ensure a swift recovery.

Speaking on the occasion, DIG Akbar said terrorists were "enemies of both the public and the police," whose "cowardly attacks aimed at harming people and damaging property".

"However, the police force will foil their designs at all costs. The complete eradication of terrorism from Upper Dir is the firm resolve of the police, and all resources are being deployed to achieve this objective," he vowed.

He added that the ongoing "courageous and targeted operation" in Dobando, Salam Kot, Barikot, and Hatun Dara was aimed at rooting out terrorists linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij.

In a parallel development, police in Lower Dir confirmed that nine terrorists of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had been killed in a joint counter-terrorism operation.

Lower Dir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bilal Haider told a private news channel the police began the operation three days ago against the Fitna-al-Khawarij, in which so far eight terrorists dead, with the bodies of five recovered and the search for the rest underway.