MALAKAND – In a major counterterrorism operation on Saturday evening, security forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed five terrorists and arrested eight others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Malakand district. Two suspects were also injured during the operation.
The raid was conducted in the Mehrday area of Dargai tehsil and targeted members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), believed to be involved in recent regional attacks. Assistant Commissioner Waheedullah Khan confirmed that the captured individuals were moved to a CTD facility, while the injured were taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on the same day in KP’s Hangu district, security forces neutralised nine more terrorists. During the intense exchange of fire, three security personnel were injured, including District Police Officer Khalid Khan, who is currently stable and receiving treatment in Kohat.
Authorities have confirmed that the operation in Hangu remains ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to target militants in the area. Deputy Inspector General Abbas Majeed said coordinated efforts will continue until the threat is fully neutralised.
Terrorist activity has sharply increased across KP and Balochistan following the TTP’s withdrawal from a ceasefire in late 2022. In response, the security forces have intensified operations across the province, aiming to dismantle militant networks.
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Pakistan has recorded a 45% rise in terrorism-related deaths, reaching 1,081 over the past year. KP remains a major hotspot, prompting more frequent and aggressive security operations in areas like Bannu and Hangu.