Security forces foil major terror plot in Wana

Destroy the explosives-laden vehicle, kill the terrorist during IBO

WANA:

A terrorist was killed and five others injured in South Waziristan's Wana as security forces thwarted a major terrorist plot by destroying an "explosive-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack" during an intelligence-based operation on Saturday, state media said while citing security sources.

In a post shared on X, state broadcaster Pakistan TV said, "Security forces foiled a major terrorist plot in Wana through a timely intelligence-based operation, destroying an explosive-laden vehicle intended for a suicide attack".

Quoting the security sources, the post further underscored, "The operation prevented a potential catastrophe in Wana and surrounding areas, with one terrorist killed and five others injured".

It also said that the "successful action averted significant civilian casualties" and ensured the safety of the local population.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the security forces for foiling a "major terrorism attempt in Wana".

In a post shared by the ministry of interior on X, the minister said, "Salute to the security forces for thwarting the nefarious suicide attack plot in advance through intelligence-based operations. The brave soldiers of the security forces have crushed the enemy's intentions to dust".

He further stated that the "security forces destroyed a vehicle and motorcycle laden with explosives" with "utmost professional skill" before the terrorists could attack.

"Security forces, demonstrating consummate skill, ensured the protection of citizens' lives and property".

Meanwhile, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said on Saturday that a wanted terrorist was killed during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district.

According to a CTD statement, the slain terrorist was identified as Khalid alias Commander, who was wanted in multiple cases, including the targeted killing of CTD Constable Muhammad Ali, who was martyred on March 17, 2025.

The department said that it had received confirmed intelligence through its technical team that Khalid was present in the Korai area within the limits of Shorkot police station.

Acting on the information, a CTD Special Weapons and Tactics team launched a targeted intelligence-based operation early on Saturday on the Tank-Dera Ismail Khan Road, the statement said.

"During the operation, the terrorist was surrounded, told to surrender several times and attempts were made to arrest him. However, instead of surrendering, he opened indiscriminate fire on personnel," the statement said. It added that he was killed as the CTD retaliated.

The statement said that the slain terrorist was affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan's Zakir Kochi Karwan group. It also said that he had been evading law enforcement agencies by concealing his identity, frequently changing his appearance and moving between locations.

The CTD said a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade and a smartphone were recovered from his possession and taken into custody for forensic examination.

It added that efforts were underway to identify and take legal action against his facilitators, financiers and logistical support network.