PESHAWAR: Pakistani security forces have killed three terrorists, including a highly wanted militant carrying a bounty of 5 million rupees (about $18,000) on his head, during a joint operation in the mountainous Kabal Gram area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, security officials said on Tuesday.
The operation was conducted jointly by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Elite Force, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in a difficult, mountainous terrain.
“The killed terrorists were highly wanted,” a security official told the media, adding that one of them, Noor Islam, was a key operative of what the state refers to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” (a violent extremist group). Authorities had announced a reward of Rs5 million for information leading to his arrest.
According to security sources, the terrorists were planning a major attack in the area.
During the raid, one of the terrorists detonated his suicide vest to avoid capture, officials said.
Three police officers martyred
An intense exchange of fire took place during the operation, resulting in the deaths of three police personnel. Security officials identified them as Maqbool Ahmed, Fida Hussain, and Saeedur Rahman.
“The presence of these terrorists in Kabal Gram confirms they were preparing for a major act of terrorism,” a security official said.
Officials further alleged that the group had previously been involved in attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
Security analysts described the operation as a significant step in counterterrorism efforts, saying it has weakened an organised terrorist network operating in the region.
The operation comes amid continued security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where authorities are seeking to curb a resurgence of violence.
